Date of Award

6-2-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Agricultural Business & Leadership

First Advisor

John Ricketts

Abstract

The underrepresentation of minority groups in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANHS) careers remains a challenge, limiting diversity and growth within the industry. Agriculture degrees have been disproportionately awarded to White students, while Hispanic, Black, and Native American students receive significantly fewer degrees. Research suggests that financial assistance, experiential learning, and career outreach improve minority student retention and success in FANHS. To address these challenges, the USDA’s NextGen program awarded $18.1 million to Tennessee State University (TSU) to support underserved students through scholarships, internships, and career development initiatives, including the creation of the Students Exploring Employment and Development (SEED) mobile app. This study evaluated the SEED app’s effectiveness in overcoming career retention barriers among minority TSU students. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Identity Theory, the study explored how behavioral intention, social identity, and perceived support influence student retention and career aspirations in FANHS. A qualitative case study approach, including focus groups and semi-structured interviews, was used to assess user experience, app usability, and career impact. Thematic analysis revealed nine key themes, including access to opportunities, academic resources, career guidance, and mentorship gaps. While SEED increased career awareness, students continued to rely on faculty, peers, and organizations like MANRRS for guidance. Findings suggest that digital tools alone need to be evaluated to benefit students. Students need a combination of structured mentorship, institutional support, and accessible career resources that can be features added to mobile applications. Recommendations include improving SEED’s search filters, mentorship integration, and expanding research to assess long-term impact.

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