Student Kayla Stuart will join other students from across the U.S. in the Society of American Foresters 2023 Student Diversity Scholar Program to develop leadership and networking skills.

The program pairs students from underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources with a professional mentor based on their career interests and goals. SAF says past scholars gained employment opportunities and funding for graduate education thanks to their mentors and the people they met through the program.

Scholars will also build relationships with other program members through networking events and attending the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, Calif., in October.

The program also has Scholars give back and engage with SAF by either sharing their experience to recruit future scholars, working with their local SAF chapter or joining the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group.

Scholars receive a full scholarship to the SAF National Convention along with one year of SAF membership.