EXPANDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY THROUGH THE ON TO THE FUTURE PROGRAM (Invited Presentation)

Expanding diversity, inclusivity, and equity is critical to innovation, scientific advancement, and solving tomorrow’s geoscience challenges. The Geological Society of America (GSA) is committed to engaging students in the geosciences from a diversity of backgrounds. One of the initiatives the society is supporting to help build a diverse and inclusive profession is its On To The Future program (OTF). OTF has provided financial support to attend the GSA Annual Meeting to over 600 students since inception in 2013. Participants over the years include 46% from underrepresented minority groups including 30% hispanic/latino and 3% American Indian/Alaska native, 86% female, 64% first generation, and 29% non-traditional students. At the meeting participants are paired in one-one-one mentorships, meet with GSA leadership, and learn about internship, scholarship, and research opportunities. Reported student outcomes from participation in this program include helping students understand the array of geoscience research and career options, building personal networks, and finding a sense of place within the scientific and professional community.