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FAQs: Diversity in the Workforce |
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- Are there effective strategies to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in Earth system science?
Yes. A lot is known about teaching, mentoring, and institutional mechanisms that will help underrepresented minorities be successful in Earth system science. The challenge is finding the resources to support these efforts.
- Do minority-serving institutions face special challenges in providing Earth system science education?
Yes. Faculty require support to offer interdisciplinary courses and programs, support that is often lacking. Students often arrive with poor preparation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- There is a perception that minority students cannot excel in Earth system science. How accurate is this perception?
Minority students, as all students, have different triggers which motivate science learning. But the real challenge is that most minority students are not even aware of the possibilities of an Earth system science related career because they have not been exposed to role models within their communities or to active mentoring programs in their primary and secondary educational settings.
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