Broadening Participation

• COLDEX Broadening Participation efforts promote the success of all participants, build confidence in problem-solving, and reach audiences who previously have not engaged with polar sciences—this includes, e.g., Pell grant recipients, self-supporting or first-generation students, and community college transfers. Our broad recruitment strategy allows us to attract highly qualified students and contribute to STEM workforce development.

• COLDEX has four main goals for broadening participation in the polar sciences: 1) create an open and collaborative learning environment, 2) provide and encourage responsive leadership and mentoring, 3) promote the success of students in ice core science, and 4) broaden the reach of polar science content and messaging to the public and other audiences, especially those who previously have not engaged with polar sciences. 

• Many NSF COLDEX programs are specifically designed to reach communities who have not historically participated in STEM at high levels. Our professional development programs for teachers and college faculty are focused on people who serve those communities. Our REU program, graduate student assistantships, and early career researcher scholarships will also provide opportunities for a broad range of students. New partnerships in these areas are welcome and will be actively explored.

For more information about NSF COLDEX programs in Broadening Participation contact Director for Broadening Participation Dr. Erin Pettit.