Vanderbilt University and historically Black Tennessee State University, both in Nashville, have partnered together to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups studying in the geosciences. The new partnership is called Earth Horizons.
The initiative will take advantage of Tennessee State University’s success in attracting Black students to STEM majors and Vanderbilt’s strength in geoscience education and research. The goal of the new partnership is to increase diversity in the geoscience workforce.
The program plans to increase the range and availability of earth and environmental science courses offered at both universities, coordinate classes for students outside of their own institutions, educate students about potential geoscience careers, and provide paid summer research internships. Additionally, project leaders will work with local, state, and federal agencies to develop hands-on learning opportunities in the field.
The project is funded by a $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
