Diversity and Inclusivity Within the Geosciences

Why should diversity matter? https://forchicanachicanostudies.wikispaces.com/News+Items 1) Societal Responsibility How can we educate our society on issues in Earth Science if the Earth Sciences aren’t representative of our society. Intelligence and talent are equally distributed in society. We are not attracting the best and brightest from these groups into the geosciences.

Why should diversity matter? 2) Professional Responsibility Over the next decade our industry: 72,000 geoscience jobs by 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 Over the next decade higher education: 15,000 total new graduates MS and PhD level 35,000 total new graduates B.S. level American Geosciences Institute 2012 Talent and intelligence is universal! A diverse industry and geo-society allows: More talents, skills, and experiences unique to various cultures and societies Greater innovation Reduced fear, improved performance

What are our options? Pew Hispanic Center analysis of the October 2010 Current Population survey and US Census Bureau http://www.pewhispanic.org /2011/08/25/hispanic-college-enrollment- spikes-narrowing-gaps-with-other-groups/ Need to increase domestic capacity of geoscientist. Utilize trends in minority enrollments in higher education. Develop outreach strategies. Geoscience careers often have a negative or wrong perception of what we really do. Pedagogical strategies Undergrad research opportunities Mentoring initiatives Public outreach events

What’s our Inclusivity and Diversity Workplan? 1) Where we are in the Geosciences What are barriers students and institutions encounter? How do we address the lack of diversity to others? 2) Where we want to be in the Geosciences How will we define success? How do we make inclusivity diversity sustainable? 3)Workshop Action Plan What actions do you need to achieve this goal?