American Geophysical Union Centennial - San Francisco- Dec. 16, 2019

In December 2019, at the Centennial meeting of the American Geophysical Union, we launched our inaugural “SF Bay Area Emerging Geoscience Scholars” program. During this experiential learning scholarship program. we introduced 16 San Francisco area STEM-oriented students from local high schools, community colleges, universities and community organizations to world of careers in geoscience, atmospheric and space science.

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Here is what they experienced during this pilot at the world‘s largest annual, international gathering of Earth and Space scientists held at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center. The had a unique opportunity to:

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• Have informal and candid conversation with Dr. Robert Bullard, the "Father of Environmental Justice" and distinguished Professor at Texas Southern University 

• An intimate career pathways session with Mr. Uri Eliahu, CEO of ENGEO, a leading Bay Area geotechnical firm, and event sponsor

• Explore an exhibit hall with over 1,000 scientists, educators and environmental service providers

• Interact with students and geoscience professionals at a Poster Hall with thousands of displays

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Here are some quotes about their experience at AGU 100:

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• "Great opportunity to network and explore career and continuing education pathways"

• "We need intentional community-based partnerships to boost diversity and create socially and environmentally-just change"

• "Great to hear about really intentional efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in a field that could use it especially as a woman in STEM}

• "The poster exhibit and exhibit section were my favorite part in terms of seeing how many options there were in this field"

• "That there are a lot of career opportunities and this conference motivated me to look further into applying for grad school"

• "Amazing discussion where one was able to hear about a lot of exciting ways AGU is connecting with students and communities of color​"

• "Wow! (Dr. Bullard)  is the reason I came. It was inspiring to hear Dr. Bullard talk about working with his own students to establish new technologies in Environmental Justice. He inspired me, engaged with where I was, made himself vulnerable, and approachable"

• "It was very helpful for me to mix with industry professionals, companies that are hiring, and (to learn about) potential Master’s programs."

• "Discovered new companies to apply for. Made me think if I can get my foot in the door at a company, I can transfer to a position I (really) enjoy"

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Note: AGU’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan points out that “historically underrepresented ethnic and cultural minorities... continue to be underrepresented within the geoscience’s community relative to their availability in the (STEM) talent pool.”  We were honored to be part of AGU's initiative and conference.

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