CANR Pathfinders

The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) offers a variety of high-quality academic programs leading to exciting career opportunities.

Part of the CANR mission is to also show to younger students entering grades 9-12 what different careers and opportunities exist as they explore a variety of interests and disciplines.

What is the Pathfinders program?

Pathfinders is an online summer program designed to help participants explore the fields of agriculture and natural resources. The program brings together MSU faculty and staff to lead students to a greater understanding of different careers and educational pathways.

Who can participate in the Pathfinders program?

Pathfinders is designed for students entering grades 9-12 who are willing to explore educational and career opportunities in environmental-, agricultural- and natural resource-focused areas.

Students are eligible to participate in Pathfinders upon completion of the program registration application.

The Pathfinders program last took place in July 2021.

Registration is currently closed.

What will I do as a Pathfinder participant?

Pathfinder participants worked through two virtual quests that will be released on July 12, 2021.

Each virtual quest has virtual sub-quests based on different academic majors at MSU that fall underneath the topical area of learning. Students can explore virtual sub-quests during the program and will complete activities to help increase their understanding of the designated area.

Virtual quests will cover the following topical areas.

Agriculture: Plants and Animals

Agriculture touches every part of our daily lives. People working in the field of agriculture have a big impact on the world around us from the food we eat to the materials our products are made from. In the CANR, agriculture encompasses the business, science and skills required to produce the food we eat and the resources we use.

Learn more about academic programs at MSU in Agriculture: Plants & Animals!

Natural Resources: Sustainable Environments

The area of natural resources explores the interactions and impacts of our use of the natural world and the environment around us. As our populations increase, issues concerning sustainability and the environment are vital and will continue to impact our lives. In the CANR, our natural resources programs connect students to research and hands-on experiences to address these issues from a scientific, policy and social justice lens.

Learn more about academic programs at MSU in Natural Resources: Sustainable Environments!

What are the benefits of participating in the Pathfinders program?

Participants will earn digital badges for completing each quest (2 total) and will be eligible to earn MSU prizes and swag from CANR.

Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with and learn from college and academic professionals affiliated with Michigan State University, exploring academic majors and careers throughout the program.

How much does it cost?

The Pathfinders program is free of charge.

When does the program take place?

The Pathfinders program last ran through July 12-30, 2021. Registration is currently closed.

Each of the two badges (Agriculture and Natural Resources) will begin with an overview of the quest and the academic field. Participants received a weekly email with all information necessary to access both the main quest and sub-quests.