by Jaynie Gaskin
Wetlands Biologist
Coastal Resources Division

In July, twenty-four high school students from across Georgia participated in DNR’s third annual Career Academy, a program designed to introduce students to careers in natural resources and conservation. The week-long camp allowed students to work alongside DNR employees from all four divisions, earning dual enrollment credit from Ogeechee Technical College.

The students stayed at Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center in Mansfield for the central part of the program and Camp Jekyll 4-H on Jekyll Island for coastal activities. They visited twelve DNR state parks, historic sites, public fishing areas, and educational centers, engaging in hands-on field and lab activities that highlighted various career paths in conservation. 

The program also featured a college fair, where representatives from eleven technical schools, colleges, and universities across Georgia discussed degree programs in natural resources. Career Academy graduates from previous years were invited back for a reunion event, where they shared their professional experiences with current students. Notably, two graduates from the first year of the program returned in 2024 as camp counselors and seasonal technicians with DNR.

Over one hundred DNR staff members contributed to the planning and execution of Career Academy, fostering mentorship connections between students and professionals in the field. The program continues to be a valuable opportunity for students to explore and pursue careers in natural resource management.