SPANISH FORT, Alabama -- The 2012 Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program received 79 applications this year from high school juniors and seniors and chose only 15 participants, one of whom was Spanish Fort High School graduate Katie Dankovic.

The 18-year-old was a senior at SFHS when she was persuaded by her consumer science teacher to submit an application for the internship and scholarship opportunity sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. Dankovic was selected, received a $3,000 scholarship and spent an eight-week internship being mentored by biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Daphne location.

The Hutton program is open to all 11th- and 12th-grade high school students regardless of their race or gender; however, the programs goal is to stimulate interest in careers in fisheries science and management among groups underrepresented in the fisheries professions, so women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Each student chosen for the program receives a scholarship and is matched with a professional mentor for a summer-long hands-on experience.

Dankovics mentors, Andy Ford and Jennifer Pritchett, said they have seen Dankovic progress throughout the weeks.

Shes communicating better, her confidence is growing and shes catching on quick, said Pritchett, a fish and wildlife biologist.

As a first-time mentor, Pritchett feels as though the opportunity benefits both herself and Dankovic.

Im trying to help pay it forward. I hope I can enhance someone elses career and my leadership skills also, said Pritchett.

Ford, who has been a mentor for three years, agrees that the experience as a mentor is rewarding.

I enjoy getting out there and helping. I think weve all had someone in some point of our career that stepped up and helped, said Ford, a fishery biologist. Its enjoyable for me to see young people coming out of school and excited about the field already.

The 2012 program, which was established in 2000, includes minority students in nearly half its positions and about two-thirds are female, a spokesman said. This year, the Hutton Scholars are working with their mentors in 13 states.

Read more from the original source:
American Fisheries Society mentoring program gives students a career head start