NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Underserved & Under-represented groups Breakout Session I Thursday, May 19, 2005

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Overarching Guidance: Formulation of a coherent and unified approach to increase the participation and engagement of groups traditionally underserved by NASA’s Earth science programs, data and resources. The objectives are to (1) Increase NASA’s awareness of the needs of various populations who have been traditionally underrepresented as participants in NASA Earth Science programs and as users of NASA Earth Science data and resources; (2) Increase the awareness amongst these groups of NASA’s key role in Earth Science and the relevance of its results and resources; (3) Improve the capacity of individuals from these groups to become engaged in NASA programs and help shape its future plans to increase awareness of NASA Earth Science among all relevant stakeholders. ROADMAP – Underserved Groups INVOLVEMENT/REPRESENTATION   (0-3 YRS)    (3-6 YRS)    (6-10 YRS)    Develop broader understanding of the communities NASA is trying to serve NEEDS ACTIONSOUTCOMES Understand the varied needs of the different segments of underserved populations Identify various underserved populations Build an extensive database of community representatives with cooperation of professional societies and other geoscience-related organizations Convene diverse and inclusive review panels & forums Community feedback, qualitative and quantitative data on how to target NASA earth science programming, funding, and resources effectively and over a sustainable period Research/Mentoring Experiences for MSI Faculty in Sciences & Education Promote & continue programs for faculty research and engagement both at research-intensive sites & on MSI campuses Improved capacity to produce next generation of explorers - future scientists & future educators. Access to Resources Continue basic research opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students both at research-intensive sites & on MSI campuses Build awareness amongst next generation of explorers of (I) range of activities that geoscientists engage in (ii) future employment prospects Teacher Education Identify strategies for establishing effective partnerships to meet needs of NCLB in relation to Earth Science Synergy with existing ESSE-related teacher education networks; Sharing of best practices & lessons learned by others Research/Mentoring experiences for students Cultural Events & Community Involvement Increased exposure to NASA Earth Science resources (data, images, activities) for a more diverse and inclusive audience Earth Science content embedded within cultural contexts & channeled through museums, planetaria etc. Identify & develop versions of NASA resources that are appropriate for special needs populations (e.g. physically handicapped) & those without Internet access Increased access to NASA Earth Science resources (data, images, activities) for a more diverse and inclusive audience

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Overview Overarching guidance Community Building Research/Mentoring Experiences –Students & Faculty Workforce Development Teacher Education Access to Resources Community & Culture

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Overarching guidance Increase NASA’s awareness of groups & their needs Increase groups’ awareness of NASA relevance to their lives Improve capacity of individuals from these groups to become engaged in NASA programs

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Community Building Develop broader understanding of groups and their diversity Focused workshops on cultural issues –Inform NASA educators & NASA leadership

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Workforce Development Awareness of NASA hiring practices Research/Mentoring Experiences STEM Students STEM Faculty Education Faculty

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Teacher Education National trends (NCLB) require highly qualified Earth Science teachers - shortages abound Foster Earth Science certification programs to increase diversity in Geoscience teacher pool

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Access to Resources NASA has lots of free stuff but… Focus on reaching those who don’t have Internet access Identify and develop resources appropriate for special needs groups

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Community & Culture Schools, churches & community centers as catalysts Low cost ways to engage in NASA science NASA content in informal learning centers - e.g. musuems

NASA ESE Community Meeting, Orlando, May 2005Underserved/Underrepresented populations Next steps? How to prioritize the overall roadmap? How to sequence activities on a timeline?