Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
NSF Geo-Futures Program
Geo-Futures is a conference-based program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that engages with, and provides educational resources for, students interested in pursuing a career in the geosciences (Atmospheric, Earth, Ocean, and Polar Science). Set within the annual Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference, a national conference that engages with the cultural structures of students from underrepresented groups, the proposed program employs strategies for engaging and retaining the diverse assemblage of students and perspectives that will be required to address the emerging needs of 21st century geoscience.
The Geo-Futures program provides participants with mentoring before, during, and after their experience at SACNAS, and helps them develop a sense of identity and community within the geosciences. Geo-Futures will also assist students as they begin to define their academic and professional pathways through the geosciences, while providing pre- and post-conference training around understanding how to engage in a national research conference. These activities include an introduction to navigating a scientific conference and networking with geoscientists during the event. The SACNAS conference will provide students with an introduction to original research being conducted in the geosciences as well as examples of career pathways that can be engaged in as a professional geoscientist. Beyond providing students with guidance on how to pursue academic and professional careers in the geosciences, the SACNAS Geo-Futures program helps students understand how their diverse talents and perspectives can contribute to 21st century geoscience research. 2022 Applications are now open.*
Interested in serving as a mentor in the program? We are now requesting volunteers to serve as mentors for our 2022 Geo-Futures cohort. Mentors must be planning to attend the 2022 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference. Sign up at the following link: Geo-Future Mentor Sign Up
Note: Students with REU or REU-type experience in the geosciences are especially encouraged to apply.
For additional information, please contact us at geofutures@csumb.edu. Download our program flyer!
*Pending program grant renewal
- Funding to attend the 2022
SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference - Pre- and post-conference professional development workshops
- Mentorship and networking
opportunities - Technological support, as needed
*Please note: Funding is dependent on Geo-Futures program support provided by our NSF grant. For 2022, the grant is currently under renewal thus funding is dependent on grant acceptance status as well as application outcome.
- Funding to attend the 2022
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be an undergraduate student currently enrolled in a two- or four-year institution
- Majoring in a STEM discipline related to the geosciences (Atmospheric, Earth, Ocean, Polar Science)
- Must have submitted a research presentation abstract to the SACNAS 2022 National Diversity in STEM Conference
The 2022 NSF Geo-Futures Program application is now available through Aug 14, 2022
There will be four key parts and all four parts must be completed for an applicant to be considered.
Part 1: Application Form
- Complete the 2022 Geo-Futures application form. This form asks for Applicant Information, Faculty Mentor Preferences, and Academic Background. You will also need to have your supporting documents ready to upload at the time of submittal. If you need to submit an application by mail, please contact geofutures@csumb.edu, and we will provide instructions for you.
- Application deadline is 11:59pm Aug 14, 2022.
Part 2: Letter of Recommendation
At the time of submission, your application requires a letter of recommendation from one person who can assess your academic abilities, academic accomplishments and motivation, work habits, potential as a researcher, and your potential to benefit from participating in this program. Letters should be received by Aug 21, 2022.
Part 3: Proof of abstract submission to the 2022 SACNAS conference
- Copy of email confirmation that your abstract was submitted to SACNAS by the conference’s abstract deadline
- Copy of the abstract itself, including the title
Part 4: Supporting Documents
You will need three key documents to support your application:
- A) Statement of Purpose
- This essay covers four areas: Motivation, Achievement, Research Interests and Career Goals. Use our Application Resources/Guide for further guidance.
- Format: 2 pages maximum, 12-pt font, standard margins, single or double spacing will be accepted and is up to the applicant
- B) College Transcripts (Unofficial or "released to student" version is fine!)
- C) CV/Academic Resume (see guideline in Application Resources/Guide)
Funding is provided by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences, Grant #2035395