ASAS/ADSA Teaching Undergraduate and Graduate Education and PSA Extension and Instruction: Teaching I

University poultry science student recruitment is vital to the long-term success of the poultry industry and the survival of university poultry science programs. Conservative estimates indicate that universities in the Southern U.S. are only able to fill 20-30% of the annual regional need for poultry science graduates in the poultry industry. Efforts by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and university poultry science programs are attempting to spread the message of job opportunities to potential high school and junior college students. Auburn University’s Poultry Science Department instituted a Teacher/Counselor Education Program in 1995 in an attempt to reach more prospective students. Initial efforts were targeted at teachers and guidance counselors that had placed students with Poultry Science in the past. Subsequent efforts have drawn participants from state-wide mailings to all high school science and agribusiness teachers and counselors, and advertisements in counselor and science teacher association newsletters. Enrollment for the 1.5-day course (all expenses paid on campus) has averaged 20/year, with the majority of participants attending from schools in areas of poultry concentration. Continuing education credits are offered. Topics covered include Alabama and U.S. poultry industries, educational opportunities, departmental and college scholarships, job opportunities and veterinary school options. Average enrollments in the department have been 40% higher since the inception of this program.