Workforce Diversity: How the Hutton Program Increases Minority Participation in Fisheries Professions

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a summer mentoring program for high school students sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS.)  The principal goal of the Hutton Program is to stimulate interest in careers in fisheries science and management among groups underrepresented in the fisheries professions, including minorities and women.  Application to the program is open to all current 11^th and 12^th grade high school students, regardless of race, creed, or gender.  Because the program seeks to increase diversity within the fisheries professions, qualified women and minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.  Students selected for the Hutton Program are matched with mentor professionals and enjoy an eight-week, hands-on fisheries science experience in a marine and/or freshwater setting.  The long-term results of the program are monitored by the Annual Hutton Alumni Survey to determine how the Hutton experience affects the educational plans and career choices of Hutton alumni.  Ultimately, the success of the program is measured by the number of minority and female Hutton alumni who choose a career in fisheries science or natural resource management.