THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF DIVERSE GEOSCIENCE UNDERGRADUATES

Social media outlets play a crucial role in the dissemination of information among undergraduate students and young scientists. Social media can cast a wide net and reach into new communities that may be underserved in geoscience education or opportunities. Recruitment efforts can be improved through maintaining a social media presence as healthy online communities improve visibility. Furthermore, creating space online for alumni and friends of the program to maintain their connections encourages retention and continued support from past participants. STEM SEAS uses social media platforms like Facebook and a public blog on WordPress to chronicle each voyage, as well as create an online community for past and future participants. Here we explore how this broadens the recruitment pool, increases the program's visibility and supports the participant community.