Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Consortium’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion creates a culture of belonging where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes.
We acknowledge that our activities, programs, services, and everyday interactions are enriched by building a diverse team of staff and partners who engage in open, respectful, and meaningful exchange. We also strive to achieve our agency’s mission by engaging individuals from a broad diversity of backgrounds who bring a range of experiences, values, and tools to bear on the region’s major environmental and socioeconomic issues.
About DEI at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
Our Principles in Action
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium strives to back up our words with actions. See the current work we are doing to reach diverse audiences and seek out strong partnerships in the communities of South Carolina.
S.C. Sea Grant Consortium funded aquaculture intern, photo courtesy of Minorities in Aquaculture.
Workforce Development
We developed two internship programs focused on cultivating opportunities for students from underserved communities.
We secured funding for eight diversity scholarships for the 2023 Palmetto Environmental Education Certification program.
Our careers website launched in September 2021 to connect students with mentors in marine science fields.
Research
We are an active, non-funded partner in the development of the Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail.
We developed the Margaret A. Davidson Resilience Scholars Program to fund students from historically marginalized and underserved communities to do research work in resilience.
S.C. Sea Grant Consortium funded interns counting turtle eggs, photo courtesy of SCDNR.
USC Inclusion and Equity Summit, photo courtesy of Crush Rush.
Partnerships
We directed over $840,000 in externally obtained grant funding to community-based organizations that represent underserved communities and are led by community members.
Programmatic
We host quarterly internal DEI trainings facilitated by industry leaders.
National Sea Grant Leadership: Co-chairship of Sea Grant Network DEIJA Community of Practice, Member of DEIJA PD Committee, Steering Committee Community Engaged Internships.
Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson of USC delivering the keynote address, “Bridging Research and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Coastal Marine Ecosystems” at the 2022 S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Research Symposium.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. South Carolina is making our veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium participates in E-Verify.