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Science Matters survey finds lack of awareness of science careers in agriculture

August 20, 2019

3 Min Read
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A 2019 survey by Bayer in collaboration with the National 4-H Council found that low awareness of career options in agriculture is a primary factor leading to the limited pool of skilled applicants. In fact, the second annual Science Matters survey found that although nearly 80% of surveyed high school students believe agricultural science education is important to future success, only 19% reported that they are likely to consider a career in agriculture.

One explanation for this disconnect could be a lack of awareness of the diverse opportunities available within the agriculture industry. Only 36% of surveyed students reported being familiar with agriculture career choices beyond working on a farm.

“The 2019 Science Matters study shows a disconnect between students’ perceived value of agricultural science and their awareness of tangible, fulfilling and diverse career opportunities, which presents an enormous opportunity for the agricultural community,” said Lisa Safarian, president, North America Commercial, at the Crop Science Division of Bayer. “These survey results are a call to action for the industry to come together and invest in our youth, educating them and developing their skills in areas where it has been traditionally challenging to identify and recruit a qualified workforce, and highlight the success and impact they can have in a multitude of diverse careers.”

The Science Matters survey explores the opinions of parents, teachers and students on the importance of agri-science in high school curriculum.

What did teachers and parents say?

The agriculture industry isn’t alone in recognizing the value in driving awareness and enthusiasm in agricultural careers among students.

  • The survey found that 92% of teachers feel it is important to expose students to agri-science education, up 14% from 2018.

  • 90% of parents reported that agri-science education was important.

  • More than three-in-five high school science teachers say that they feel qualified to teach agri-science content, a 35% increase over 2018 when fewer than half of teachers reported feeling qualified.

  • 55% of teachers would like to focus more on STEM subjects, while only 43% of parents and 30% of students agree.

“As a teacher with four years of experience educating students and striving to bring complex fields of study like agri-science to life in the classroom, I’ve learned that they absorb information and develop passions around subjects where they understand the real-life implications of the concepts they are learning on paper,” said Kamal Bell, former teacher for Durham Public Schools and current student at North Carolina State University seeking a Doctorate in Agricultural Extension Education. “It is more important than ever for students to have access to hands-on activities that broaden their perspectives about science and agriculture and make tangible their future opportunities for development and impact.”

Why create Science Matters?

Bayer and National 4-H Council created Science Matters, an educational outreach program that leverages a variety of strategic and creative programming, to pique students’ curiosity about agri-science and STEM education.

By launching Science Matters in August 2017, Bayer and National 4-H Council have committed to equip at least 25,000 students from rural, urban and suburban communities with the tools and support they need to deepen their understanding of science. The program contributes to youth development through curricula provided by 4-H to its network of local club leaders; creative initiatives to heighten young people's awareness of the role science plays in their everyday lives; scholarships to attend the 4-H National Youth Summit on Agri-Science; and, engaging with 4-H clubs across the U.S. through community grants and local volunteerism to enhance the STEM education experience.

Source: Bayer, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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