U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROGRAMS SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEOSCIENTISTS

The USGS provides partnerships, research opportunities, data, curriculum materials and local education programs for K-12 students and teachers to foster the next generation of geoscientists needed to resolve the complex societal challenges we face. Data on enrollment in the geosciences clearly indicates that the geosciences community needs to work together to increase awareness and interest in the earth and earth processes by students and the public. Through its National Education and Youth programs, the USGS is partnering with universities that provide high school and middle school age children with experiences and training in the geosciences and related science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. We partner with communities to provide science camps and scientists in the classroom for children in K-12. Working with professional societies, schools, and government agencies we have developed curricula and easy to use teaching materials. We recently redesigned our education website to make readily accessible by subject, age, and user, our education materials from across the bureau. A new pilot program where USGS is working with the Denver and Albuquerque public schools and city government to provide summer internships for high school students is yielding powerful results introducing students to the geosciences. Finally, our new Department of Interior STEM Strategy includes goals for supporting teachers and students, by providing research opportunities and teaching materials and training in the natural sciences.