REACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEOSCIENTISTS--EFFECTIVE, DATA-BASED STRATEGIES THAT MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF TWO-YEAR GEOSCIENCE PROGRAMS TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS

Data-based strategies to increase student interest and retention in the geosciences were developed and tested. These strategies form a cohesive model that includes collaborations between two and four-year academic institutions, targeted outreach to members of underrepresented groups, informal education programs that increase geoscience literacy in the community, and student mentoring.

Collaboration between the two and four-year institutions was formalized by a signed memorandum of understanding that detailed joint efforts to increase the number of members of underrepresented groups in the geosciences. Components of the agreement include recruitment activities, retention, mentoring and supportive services towards student placement in jobs or in graduate programs upon degree completion. Informal collaboration amongst colleagues has proven mutually beneficial as instructors at the two-year program accessed previously unavailable resources and faculty at the 4year instituation contributed to the pipeline of potential geoscience majors for their programs.

Targeted outreach in the form of guest lectures accompanied by informal interaction with the scientists, field experiences that connect ideas learned in the classroom to real world circumstances, and excursions hosted by geoscience professionals engage students.

Special presentations, workshops, informal education events, and opportunities to interact with geoscientists fostered student interest in the field and increased geoscience literacy for the community members in attendance.

Formal and informal student mentoring has led to student retention in geoscience courses.

Preliminary results show that the model was successful in increasing student interest in the geosciences and geoscience literacy in the community. Changes to be implemented include strengthening collaboration with partner institutions to ensure successful passage of students from the two year to the four year partner institution, improving the efficacy of retention strategies and increasing opportunities for formal and informal student mentoring.