Paper No. 49
Presentation Time: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM
PROJECT ENGAGE (EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEOSCIENTISTS): BUILDING ACADEMIC PATHWAYS THAT INCREASE ACCESS AND BROADEN PARTICIPATION IN THE EARTH SCIENCES
Educating the Next Generation of Geoscientists, ENGAGE, is a synthesis of informal and formal education strategies designed to identify and invest in the next generation of the geoscience workforce by building academic pathways that increase access and participation of students from traditionally under-represented groups in the Earth sciences. The major components of this NSF funded effort include: outreach to high school students and their families; a hosted lunch lecture series featuring guest presenters from academia and industry; academic support for post-secondary study in the geosciences; field experiences that provide hands-on learning opportunities and training; assisted attendance and participation in professional conferences; inquiry and problem-based activities incorporated in course work that foster collaborative learning, higher order thinking, and investigation of current and relevant geoscience issues; and multiple levels of mentoring.
Analysis of preliminary data show that these practices informed by research, and implemented in collaboration with other institutions committed to engaging under-represented students in the geosciences, are effective. Internal evaluation of the activities under project ENGAGE also offer insight into lessons learned and program improvements that could benefit others involved in outreach and the building of a geoscience pipeline.