Meet SAF’s Diversity Scholars at the
National Convention!
By Tony Mazza
The SAF Student Diversity Scholar program aims to intentionally bring together students from underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources to help them navigate, grow, and thrive in the profession. With engagement opportunities throughout the year, each cohort of scholars develops leadership and networking skills and creates community among each other and the broader SAF network. In addition, awardees receive a full scholarship to the SAF National Convention.
To offer further support and guidance, each student is paired with a mentor based on their career interests and goals. Scholars and mentors work together throughout the year, but the hope is for these connections to extend beyond the year to help scholars continue to grow and learn. Past scholars have discovered employment opportunities and funding for graduate education through their mentors and their contacts. Applications to be a mentor open in the winter and close in March of the following year, so keep your eyes peeled for next year's opportunity to become a mentor!
To meet and engage with the Diversity Scholars at Convention, attend the SAF Networking Event at 9:30am PST on Friday, October 27 in Rooms 9-11. Attendees will hear briefly from SAF’s CEO, Terry Baker, and USDA Forest Service’s Rachel Reyna, will open the room for networking with Scholars. Each Scholar will tell the room about their professional interest, after which professionals like you can approach and speak with Scholars about their future goals. The more people who come, the better!
Congratulations to the 2023 Class of
SAF Student Diversity Scholars, which includes 20 students from around the country!
Tony Mazza is the Policy and Research Manager at SAF.