Historic NSF Grant to Expand Diversity Efforts in Geosciences
Boulder, Colo., USA: Earlier this month, the Geological
Society of America (GSA) was awarded a historic $7 million grant—the
largest in its history—from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to be
distributed over five years. This funding will significantly enhance On To
the Future (OTF), GSA’s signature professional development and inclusion
initiative.
OTF, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023, has been instrumental in
advancing inclusivity within the geosciences by supporting scholars from
diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to attend GSA Connects, the
Society’s flagship annual meeting. Through partial travel funding,
mentorship, and networking opportunities, OTF helps scholars gain exposure
to a wide range of geoscience research fields and career paths; teaches
vital leadership skills; offers ongoing opportunities for community service
and career development; and fosters a supportive network among
participants.
With NSF’s support, GSA aims to expand OTF’s reach by increasing career and
leadership development activities to further diversify the geoscience
workforce. The grant will provide higher travel stipends, extend the
program to a 4-year model with evolving goals, and offer additional
financial support for increased mentor involvement. To date, OTF has
supported over 900 scholars, with awards ranging from $200 to $1,000. The
program engages students who are often the first in their families to
attend college (74%), from underrepresented groups (47%), nontraditional
students (37%), and veterans (9%), encompassing a wide spectrum of
backgrounds and experiences.
GSA's Director of Scientific Integrity, Elizabeth Long, along with
collaborators Steve Boss (University of Arkansas), Julia Clarke (Jackson
School of Geosciences, University of Texas), Kathy Ellins (independent
consultant), and Adam Papendieck (University of New Mexico), led the successful
grant proposal with crucial support from GSA leaders, members, and
staff. This collective effort underscores GSA’s commitment to fostering
a geoscience community that reflects the diversity of the world it studies.
“We are excited, honored, and privileged to receive this substantial award
from the National Science Foundation, says Steve Boss. “The grant provides
for greatly expanded support and opportunities for the diverse identities
comprising the On To the Future scholars to aid their progress toward
careers in the national geosciences workforce, an area of critical national
need.”
Julia Clarke, a Principal Investigator on the grant, adds, “Scalability is
the big question for most programs—how do we grow effectively with more
impact on the discipline and success for the scholars? This new program
powerfully builds on what we have learned from five years of work at the
University of Texas with our HHMI-funded Geoscience Ambassadors program. It
equally builds upon key learning and data from multiple NSF grants to GSA
to build linkages with other professional societies and enhance programming.
Rarely do you have such a strong base to expand and scale from—this prior
work really enabled us to do something unique and exciting. Furthermore, in
our current landscape, creating spaces beyond individual university
settings for transformative programing has arguably never been more
important.”
The OTF program's expansion aligns with GSA’s broader strategic goals of
building and sustaining an inclusive, professional geoscience community.
“We are thrilled that this award will empower us to cultivate the next
generation of visionary leaders in the geosciences who are dedicated to
safeguarding our planet,” says Elizabeth Long. “With this support, we are
not just investing in individual potential; we are igniting a movement of
innovation and stewardship that will drive meaningful change and inspire a
sustainable future for all.”
About the Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is a global professional society
with a membership of more than 17,000 individuals in over 100 countries. GSA
serves as a leading voice for the geosciences, promoting the understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and fostering collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers.
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