American Geosciences Institute

National Academies assess federal Earth science education and training programs

At the request of the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Academies released a report this August examining the role of federal education and training programs in fostering the next generation of Earth scientists. The report focused on underrepresented groups in the geosciences, such as women and minorities, in fields associated with energy, mineral, and water resources, the environment, and geologic hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes; but excluded ocean, atmospheric and space sciences. In light of the current fiscal atmosphere and expected budget cuts, the report analyzed the benefits and drawbacks of federal programs, and the steps that must be taken to preserve programs essential to maintaining a robust pipeline of educated geoscientists to the workforce.