The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Young Scholars Program at Athens, was designed to augment the successful Georgia Research Station Mentor Program which began in 1989 at the Griffin campus. The Mentor Program paired selected students with researchers at the Station in a year-long educational program. During the program, students visited with their mentors two or three afternoons a week during the school year. The students were chosen by the high school and the Georgia Station faculty based on their demonstrated interest in science and/or mathematics. With their mentors, the students developed a learning plan for the year. Following scientific procedures, the plan included selection and definition of a problem area, research of available information, a scientific project or phase of research, and a written report of the student’s work. The program also required the student to write an essay on their mentor experience. Students participating in the original Mentor Program did not receive extra school credit, financial rewards or scholarships from the program.

The Young Scholars Program was expanded to the Athens campus in 1997. Dean Buchanan signed an agreement with the Morgan County High School and the High School’s new Agri-Science Center to have an internship experience with scientists in CAES. In the summer of 1999, five students completed the program.

In June 2000, the Young Scholars Program was expanded to include more students from underrepresented populations. A total of twelve students participated at the Athens campus and seven from the Griffin campus.

In June 2001, the participation was consolidated and enriched under the Office of Diversity Relations. Eighteen students participated in Athens and fourteen at the Griffin campus. The program also added an international experience to Costa Rica. Students who completed the program in 2000 were eligible to participate.