THE MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM AT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY: A MODEL PROGRAM TO INCREASE SENSE OF BELONGING IN MARINE SCIENCE.

There are several factors that have led to the absence of representation of students of color going into the field of marine science including the lack of exposure and understanding to marine science and career opportunities, deficient financial resources, and a lack of family support who often do not grasp career paths in marine science. The Department of Marine and Environmental Science (MES) at Hampton University is one of the top schools that graduate students of color in marine science and the only HBCU listed in the Top 20 Marine Science Programs according to data from the National Center for Educational Statistics. It is uniquely situated on 204 acres of the Hampton River shore, providing a natural classroom to teach marine science. The MES Department has implemented a 3-week Summer Bridge Program for high school students to expose them to their local marine habitats through engaging activities and field research, and supports both students and parents in understanding marine science career pathways. Analysis of pre-survey and post-survey data, coupled with insights from focus group interviews revealed participants’ marine science content knowledge, sense of belonging, and self-efficacy increased, and their future career plans were positively influenced because of the Program. Findings also revealed participants found value in connecting with other students and the accessibility of the science professionals. This Program highlights best practices for engaging and recruiting more students of color into the field of marine science.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Jeanette Davis, Hampton University (jeanette.davis@hamptonu.edu)

Authors:

Jeanette Davis, Hampton University, Department of Marine and Environmental Science  (jeanette.davis@hamptonu.edu)

Indu Sharma, Hampton University  (indu.sharma@hamptonu.edu)

Shawn Dash, Hampton University  (shawn.dash@hamptonu.edu)

Grace Busch, Hampton University  (grace.busch@hamptonu.edu)

Prince Kwarase, Arizona State University  (pkwarase@asu.edu)

Batusua Biduaya, Arizona State University  (bbiduaya@asu.edu)

Ayesha Boyce, Arizona State University  (ayesha.boyce@asu.edu)

Deidre Gibson, Hampton University  (deidre.gibson@hamptonu.edu)