National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions

Background The Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) Program is a NOAA-wide program administered through NOAA Research. The program uses the Department of Education definition of MSIs (e.g., HBCU, HSI, TCU, ANSI, and NHSI). The EPP/MSI Program was initiated in FY 2001 and has maintained a $15M budget appropriation.

Program Goals To increase programs and opportunities for students to pursue research and education in atmospheric environmental, and oceanic sciences and remote sensing programs, principally among MSIs. To develop collaborative programs with MSIs that provide quality education to serve the interests of NOAA and the nation at large, and increase linkages between MSIs, other research institutions, the private sector, the NGO community, and NOAA facilities.

Major EPP Accomplishments EPP has maintained full funding at $15M for 3 years. EPP is a fully functional NOAA-wide office. Provided support to more than 500 students. Established a Student Tracking Program and a Research Tracking Program. Provided funds to Cooperative Science Centers to establish three teams of high school students to train and compete in the National Ocean Science Bowl Competition in 2003 and 2004.

Major EPP Accomplishments (continued) Participated in national association meetings: SACNAS, AISES, HBCU White House Initiative Week, MAES etc. DOC is using EPP as a model to establish educational and outreach programs at other bureaus. Strengthened collaboration with DOC, NOAA, EPA, Dept. of Education etc.

–Undergraduate Scholarship Program –Graduate Sciences Program –Environmental Entrepreneurship Program –Cooperative Science Centers Program Components

Undergraduate Scholarship Program Designed to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in scientific fields integral to NOAA’s mission. 10 students are selected annually, who have declared majors in the natural and/or physical sciences. Program duration: two 10-week paid summer internships $4,000 scholarship awarded during academic year

Undergraduate Scholarship Program Vice Admiral Lautenbacher with 2003 Undergraduate Scholars

Undergraduate Scholarships Placement of Students FY ‘01FY ‘02FY ‘03TOTAL OAR1225 NWS1124 NOS0257 NMFS2114 NMAO0101 NFA1001 NESDIS1102 GC2002 TOTAL The Undergraduate Scholarship Program has sponsored 26 students over the past three years. All LO’s, including NMAO & NFA have hosted students.

Graduate Sciences Program Specifically designed to recruit, hire and provide graduate level training to qualified women and minority candidates in NOAA- related sciences. Individuals are trained in a pre-determined course of study to meet the specificity of NOAA’s scientific occupations. Mentorships established between students and NOAA staff strengthen collaborative research in NOAA’s mission related areas. Applications are accepted annually from October thru January.

Graduate Sciences Program Vice Admiral Lautenbacher with 2003 Graduate Scientists

Graduate Sciences Program NOAA has hired 19 Graduate Sciences Program students, to date. Line Office placement: LOFY 00FY01FY02FY03Total NESDIS NWS OAR NMFS NOS TOTAL

Environmental Entrepreneurship Program The program’s goal is to attract, train, and mentor underrepresented individuals to pursue careers, entrepreneurship opportunities, and advanced academic study in NOAA-related fields. EEP provides financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for program development and environmental demonstration awards. The funding supports outreach, education, applied research, and training programs.

Environmental Entrepreneurship Program

Communications and Outreach Quarterly Newsletter Program Report (under development) Outreach Materials Press Materials Press Coverage National Association meetings/conferences

Cooperative Science Centers Four Cooperative Science Centers were designated in October 2001, at MSIs with established programs and graduate degrees in NOAA related disciplines. The Centers are: –City College of the City University of New York, Remote Sensing; –Florida A&M University, Environmental Science; –Howard University, Atmospheric Sciences; and, –University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Living Marine Resources.