TRACKING PROGRESS OF UNDERREPRESENTED PERSONS FROM EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT: A CASE STUDY

The National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG) is an organization of minority professionals representing the international and national geoscience workforce and dedicated to providing research mentoring, career counseling, and professional development in geosciences for persons from underrepresented groups. The Annual Technical Conference of NABG is an opportunity for students-of-color and industry professionals from underrepresented groups to showcase state-of-the art research in geosciences, to provide career networking and professional training opportunities to members at all stages of professional development (students through late-career professionals), and geological education through field trips. From 2009 to 2013, over 250 students-of-color participated in the Annual Technical Conference of the National Association of Black Geoscientists. In this case study of student participants to this conference, we will provide information on the annual educational progress of students (baccalaureate, masters’, doctoral, and post-doctoral training), professional internships, and ultimate employment as a result of participating in NABG. The objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of partnerships between academic institutions and minority-serving professional organizations as a means to expand employment opportunities and diversify the geosciences workforce. Further, we invite interested institutions, organizations, and individuals to assist in creating greater efficacy of this model through participation. Linking students from underrepresented groups to professional mentors with similar backgrounds and experiences is an extraordinarily effective strategy to broaden participation for a more representative geoscience workforce.