Conservation Careers: Empowering Future Leaders in Agriculture and Conservation
What is Conservation Careers?
Conservation Careers is a internship program designed to increase awareness and knowledge among high school, undergraduate, and graduate students about the wide variety of careers related to food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. The program is focused on El Paso County, Texas, specifically the agricultural region known as the “lower valley” or “mission valley.”
This area stretches along the Rio Grande, from the southeast side of the city of El Paso to Fort Hancock, and is critical to the local agricultural economy. As this region faces rapid suburban growth and economic changes, there is an urgent need for conservation professionals who understand how to balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability.
Why Conservation Careers is Important
The Conservation Careers project addresses two critical issues:
- Helping Underserved Hispanic Farmers: Many small acreage farmers in the El Paso area, who are mostly Hispanic, face challenges in accessing information and resources about water conservation practices and financial support. This program aims to bridge that gap by providing education and support to help farmers adopt sustainable practices and stay profitable.
- Increasing Diversity in Conservation Careers:
Across the U.S., there is a low representation of conservation professionals from underrepresented populations. Conservation Careers seeks to change this by inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in conservation, ensuring that the future workforce reflects the communities it serves.
How Conservation Careers Will Make a Difference
Conservation Careers will focus on educating and preparing students for careers in food, agriculture, and conservation in the mission valley area. This initiative is important for the future of El Paso County because:
- The local economy is giving priority to producing fresh farm products and promoting heritage tourism, both of which require responsible use of water and skilled conservation professionals.
- Suburbanization is limiting land availability for small acreage farmers, making it crucial for them to learn how to maximize productivity on limited land while preserving natural resources.
By providing students with knowledge and hands-on experiences, the project will help create the next generation of conservationists who will support the region’s agricultural economy and help solve water and land management challenges.
Join Conservation Careers and Help Shape the Future!
Through Conservation Careers, students will have the chance to explore exciting career opportunities, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills to help their communities thrive. By addressing the needs of small farmers and increasing diversity in conservation roles, we can work together to build a sustainable and prosperous future for El Paso County.
Conservation Careers is a step towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow—join us in making a difference!
APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED OCTOBER 1st, 2024. PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW FOR THE APPLICATION.
CONSERVATION CAREERS APPLICATION
The Gardens at Texas A&M Rainwater collection system, June 11, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Courtney Sacco/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
