NOAA Awards $11.9 Million to Four Minority Serving Institutions to Train the Next Generation of Scientists

NOAA’s Office of Education has announced $11.9 million in grants to four lead minority serving institutions (MSIs) across the country. The funds will be used to educate and graduate students who pursue degree programs with applied research in NOAA mission-related scientific fields.

Photo courtesy: NOAA

Awards were made to Florida A&M University, Howard University, City College of New York and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These institutions partnered with 24 other schools to establish four cooperative science centers. The centers will train students in earth system sciences and remote sensing technology, coastal and marine ecosystems, living marine resources and atmospheric sciences and meteorology – all core science fields for NOAA. “The excitement and true value of these programs provides students with an opportunity to help NOAA solve real world problems in the realms of earth sciences and environmental intelligence,” said Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA administrator.

Retired Vice Adm. Manson Brown, deputy NOAA administrator, was in New York to commemorate the 15-year partnership with participating institutions. He added, “These programs also give NOAA access and exposure to America’s future scientists and technologists as we endeavor to build a workforce that is more diverse and inclusive.”

Grant awards were made through NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI). Since the first grants were made in 2001, NOAA EPP/MSI cooperative science centers have awarded degrees to over 1,600 students who have earned post-secondary degrees in NOAA mission-related fields.

The long term goal of NOAA's Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions is to increase the number of students, particularly from underrepresented communities, who attend Minority Serving Institutions and graduate with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The grants were announced at the NOAA EPP/MSI 8th Biennial Education and Science Forum held in New York and attended by NOAA senior leaders, U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano of New York, as well as representatives of the lead and partner institutions.

All grant awards were made after a rigorous competitive peer review process by external reviewers from academia and other federal agencies.