I am teaching a high school summer school birding class this month to students who have failed a lot of courses through the pandemic. Topics will have a field science/ environmental science flavor but focus is birds and birding.
Anyway, I am hoping to spark some of these students' interest in going further either as a hobby or possibly a career direction. I can compile some resources for those interested in it as a hobby. But I am looking for some suggestions for those interested in pursuing a career path.
Given that these students have struggled academically, going straight to 4-year competitive programs may not be the best fit for many of them. So I am curious if anyone has recommendations for directions these kids could go if interested in wildlife or other field science-like career options - perhaps two year programs, perhaps ideas they could start straight out of high school, etc. It doesn't have to be specifically birds but thinking working outdoors and/or with flora/fauna/earth science or other field science flavor to it might be of interest. If you have any suggestions that might fit this demographic let me know. Would prefer programs in Colorado - the class is in Colorado Springs - but if something is particularly well-suited elsewhere I'd be happy to hear about it.
Diana Beatty
El Paso County
--
******
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.