2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 34

Julianne Schieffer, School of Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State University, 1015 Bridge Road, Suite H, Collegeville PA 19426; 610.489.4315; jxs51@psu.edu

"Swinging in the Trees," "Creep with the Crawlers," and "Frankenstein's Plants" illustrate just a few of the 24 interactive hands-on stations over 200 Philadelphia eighth graders experienced while focusing on career choices in natural resources and the green industry.

"Growing Your Future" became the festive 1-day event designed to encourage students to explore environmental fields, link up teachers with natural resource professionals for service learning opportunities, and to give exposure to local environmental organizations with volunteer opportunities.

The ?Growing Your Future Environmental Career Day? grew out of a desire to educate an urban population about environmental and horticultural careers, and the opportunities available at 3 local High Schools with green curriculum. With horticultural jobs on the rise and a lack of applicants to fill the need, we dedicated ourselves to help build a future for our young people.

Station leaders chosen to represent an environmental career area developed a hands-on activity indicative of their field for the students, and a lesson plan and career path guide for their station. Teachers and Service Learning Professionals from the Philadelphia School District partnered with a Station leader to discuss lesson plans and offer assistance, and monitored students attending the event. An Information Fair provided environmental organizations with an opportunity to present information on what the students can do now to put their interest in environmental careers into practice.

This team of cooperators produced an event planning manual of suggestions, useful administrative samples, and lesson plans to assist others in planning their own version of the ?Growing Your Future? model. The 24 lesson plans span a variety of careers from composting to forestry. A future website will also enhance and expand the impacts of the ?Growing Your Future? event beyond the 1 day.

The "Growing Your Future Environmental Career Day owes its success to the teamwork of many. Partners in planning included Penn State School of Forest Resources, the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council (PAUCF), the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts, and the School District of Philadelphia. Funding came from the National Tree Trust, PAUCF, and F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts. The USDA Forest Service, Morris Arboretum, PHS, the Philadelphia School District, The Fairmount Park Commission, and Montgomery County Cooperative Extension provided inkind services.