Learning by doing: GEO-funded projects build a STEM workforce through immersive experiences

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Geosciences (NSF GEO) supports hundreds of awards — including grants, cooperative agreements and fellowships — integrating research and education in all geoscience fields. Many awards support projects that create and execute immersive research and education programs, in which the funded organizations or principal investigators (PIs) recruit, select and support participants. Projects support students conducting hands-on research in specific geoscience fields. Awards may also support building institutional capacity or promote cultural change in geoscience research and education programs. 

For a decade, NSF Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar and Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (NSF GEOPAths) has provided support for ongoing education, training and professional development of teachers, graduate, undergraduate and high school students in the geosciences through STEM learning ecosystems. The NSF GEOPAths solicitation is under revision and will be updated in the coming year. 

NSF awardees manage GEOPAths projects from inception to execution. One GEOPAths project, Retention of Earth Science Trainees through Opportunities in Restoration and Environmental Sciences (RESTORES), is building a pipeline to prepare, retain and enroll the next generation of coastal geoscientists. The RESTORES opportunity includes tuition funds, a paid internship, a stipend for summer research, access to supplemental academic support and pathways into graduate programs. See an Adelphi news article for details on the project's progress. 

Immersive GEOPAths learning opportunities also take students abroad. GEOPAths GO: Jamaica is currently recruiting for the 2025 cohort, who will participate in a summer research program connecting Earth Science research with conservation on a tropical island. This NSF-funded research project is building an earth science learning ecosystem in Jamaica and at The University of Texas at Austin. Students conduct cutting-edge research on critical coastal ecosystems and learn how they are impacted by anthropogenic change. 

Moving from shore to the ocean, GEOPAths:GO: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) provides unique, ship-based experiences for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds aboard NSF-funded research vessels. While sailing, students engage in geoscience and oceanography activities in a real-world laboratory. Most expenses — such as travel to and from the ports of call, materials and living expenses while on board — are paid by the STEMSEAS project award (2325637). 

GEO-supported, hands-on research and education experiences cover various disciplines and align with NSF's core mission to further progress in science and engineering through investments in people. These institution- and PI-driven programs are new, creative ways of educating the next generation and embracing our intellectual capital of the future. Do you have a GEO or RISE education and broadening participation project that NSF can highlight? Send details to RISEOUTREACH@NSF.GOV.