IMPACT OF THE MINORITY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM EXPERIENCE ON SELECTION OF A MAJOR PREFERENCE IN THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES BY MINORITY FRESHMEN AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

The purpose of this study was to identify the impact that participation in the Minority Apprenticeship Program (MAP) had on minority youth and their choice of a major preference when enrolling at Michigan State University. The study was also designed to provide information to outside interests that might facilitate development of similar programs. Another objective of the study was to develop an historical background of minority participation in agricultural education opportunities within the post-secondary agricultural system.;Over forty percent of the minority students who participated in the 1985 Minority Apprenticeship Program chose a major preference in agriculture and natural resources by the end of their second term at Michigan State University or selected a major preference in agriculture and natural resources when applying for admission for Fall Term 1986. The pecentages are similar for males, females, high school juniors, or high school seniors. The MAP experience appears to provide an awareness of agricultural and natural resource careers and generate an interest in pursuing a major within the programs available in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University.;Students in the Alternate Group indicate no interest in pursuing agricultural and natural resource careers. The interest does not vary in either the case of sex or the year in school.;Students in both the Participant Group and the Alternate Group have similar backgrounds. Academic achievement, sex, year in school, community, or ethnic background were not factors in the students selection into the Participant Group nor were they factors in the students choice of a major preference. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).;Over two hundred junior and senior, male and female, minority high school students applied for the 1985 MAP Program by February 1, 1985. One-hundred seventy-eight were selected for interviews and were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: (1) minority students selected to participate in the 1985 MAP Program; and (2) minority students selected to serve as alternates to replace any student chosen as a participate but who did not accept. The students were classified as "Participant" or "Alternate" based on actual completion of the 1985 MAP experience. Data for the study was gathered during the initial interview and post-MAP survey. The two groups were compared by use of the chi-square technique.