UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE EDUCATION

Strategic Goal 9: Promote the development of a diverse and technically trained workforce.

Throughout the past, Sea Grant-funded research has also provided research opportunities for college and graduate students. With more than one-half of the marine-related federal work force eligible for retirement within the next five years, the continuing emergence of new marine technologies and discoveries, and the increasing pressures on the nation’s coastal and ocean resources due to population growth, the need for highly qualified and adequately trained professionals will continue to increase. Further, the ocean-based work force for the future must also look at diversification of its ranks, and promote ocean and coastal related careers to individuals of under-represented groups.

To achieve this goal, the Consortium’s objectives are to:

1. Provide exposure to and experience in coastal and marine research to graduate and undergraduate students in South Carolina's colleges and universities.

2. Promote marine science career opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students from under-represented groups.

3. Enhance the knowledge and awareness of adult coastal residents and visitors on the importance of coastal resources and means for their effective management.

FY06-08 Priorities

In addition to outreach/educational priorities listed within the other strategic goals, the Consortium is seeking Concept Letters on projects that address the following:

• Programs that incorporate training, experience, and the development of technical skills of underrepresented students to enable them to pursue careers, entrepreneurship opportunities, and advanced academic study in the marine and ocean sciences.

• Likewise, programs are needed to enhance preparation technical skill development of pre-service and in-service teachers in the marine and ocean sciences.

• Research is needed to identify Best Practices to recruit minorities into the marine and ocean sciences at the college/university level, e.g., minority mentoring programs on the web.

• Support of undergraduate and graduate student training and study within all S.C. Sea Grant research and outreach proposals.

 

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