Survey of Programs Related to Climate Science Fields at America’s HBCUs

Abstract:

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offer many programs related to the field of climate science that represent opportunities for recruiting a more diverse workforce, increasing the diversity of internship programs, and expanding collaborations. Climate change is having a disproportionate impact on communities that are not sufficiently represented in the climate science workforce, and diversity in the workforce conducting research and analysis in climate science fields can bring new ideas and perspectives that can help address the challenges posed by climate change. HBCUs offer many graduate and undergraduate programs in fields that are incorporated in the climate science domain. From Howard University’s Doctorate in Atmospheric Sciences to Jackson State University’s Doctorate in Environmental Science, as well as myriad Master’s and undergraduate offerings in Geoscience, Data Science, Cartography, Statistics, Public Policy, and Communications, the possibilities for integrating people of color in your organization are many. In addition to expanding the diversity of the climate science workforce, establishing connections with these HBCU programs may help strengthen those programs and give research institutions a way to help train a more diverse workforce through internships and mentoring. Here we present a survey of programs offered by HBCUs as an aid to improving your recruitment and collaborations with underrepresented minorities. To prepare the survey of climate change-related programs at the nation’s 104 HBCUs, we examined the catalogs of each school’s offerings looking for applicable programs. Each program is presented, along with degree options, and program contact information. We also examine options for broadening recruitment communication efforts.