Diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence play a central role in our college’s core mission to prepare our students to live, work, and lead in a global environment. The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ broad and multifaceted efforts are inclusive of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, veteran status, socio economic status, first generation to college status, religion, and more and apply to students, faculty, staff, and leadership.
We aim to provide all students with a world-class education. By fostering an environment that values diversity, inclusive excellence and belonging, we hope to help all students find their place and thrive in our college.
In addition to the programs below, our office provides academic counseling and guidance to students, connecting them with information, resources, and opportunities. We also support student-led and student organization initiatives. And we work with University and College programs to recruit and retain a diverse student body.
Pre-College Programs
Upward Bound Programs — The Summer Experiences in Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEEMS) is a collaboration with the University’s Upward Bound Programs. Among the federally funded TRiO programs, Upward Bound Programs works with students from selected high schools who have academic need, the desire and ability to pursue higher education, and will be the first in their family to graduate from college. Upward Bound Programs provides academic year support, campus visits, and a summer academy.
EnvironMentors Penn State Chapter -- EnvironMentors is a college access program for underrepresented and underserved high school students across the country, created by the Global Council for Science and the Environment (GCSE). EnvironMentors has the mission to mentor and motivate high school students from underrepresented and underserved communities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). High school student participants are paired with an undergraduate student, a faculty member, and a graduate student, who serve as their mentors on research teams for the academic year.
Weather Camp -- Penn State Weather Camp is a resident science experience designed for students who will enter grades eight through ten in the fall. During this week of camp, participants will receive hands-on experience in many aspects of weather, including the actual process of making a forecast. Campers will gain an appreciation for the wonders, complexity, and beauty of the atmosphere, and for people who have chosen careers in meteorology. The EMS Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Equity helps provide scholarships for low-income attendees.
Recruiting
Penn State Admissions Strategic Partnerships seeks to create a diverse student body through access and exposure to Penn State opportunities and resources. Visit their website to learn more about recruiting programs and events. EMS Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Equity participates in these programs and events and our recruiter will be happy to meet with you.
Undergraduate Programs
Millennium Scholars Program -- The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students who intend to earn a Ph.D, will become leaders in their chosen fields and are committed to increasing the diversity of professionals in STEM-related disciplines. Students apply at the time of admission, participate in a Summer Bride program prior to their first academic year, and are provided with intensive academic counseling and professional development throughout their B.S. program.
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program -- The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (also known as the McNair Scholars Program) is one of the federally funded TRiO programs at Penn State. It is designed to provide one-on-one support to undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuit of a Ph.D. The McNair Scholars program does not provide financial support or scholarships.
First-Year In Science and Engineering (FISE) Living Learning Community -- A Multicultural Community of Science and Engineering Scholars, FISE offers a residential experience for first-year students seeking to live in a diverse and inclusive STEM-focused living and learning community. Designed to support first-year students in their transition to college, FISE offers excellent academic resources and programs throughout the year. FISE students leave well prepared to succeed in their future academic work and STEM discipline.
Bunton-Waller Fellows and Merits Program -- Named in honor of Mildred Settle Bunton ‘32 and Calvin Hoffman Waller ‘04, recognized as Penn State’s first African American alumna and alumnus, Bunton-Waller awards are given to students who contribute to the diversity and inclusion initiatives at Penn State. Established in 1994, the Bunton-Waller program enhances Penn State’s educational mission by bringing a community of curious, talented, and diverse students to Penn State. The Bunton-Waller scholars program provides two scholarship program opportunities. Each program has unique eligibility and programming requirements. All Bunton-Waller award recipients are selected by the individual colleges and academic units.
Study Abroad/Study Away -- EMS offers several study abroad/study away opportunities. Visit the website to learn more, or contact Faculty Representative Dr. Kevin Furlong kpf1@psu.edu.
Undergraduate Research Experiences
GCSE EnvironMentors Penn State Chapter -- EnvironMentors is the college access program for underrepresented and underserved high school students across the country, created by the Global Council for Science and the Environment (GCSE). EnvironMentors has the mission to mentor and motivates high school students from underrepresented and underserved communities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). High school student participants are paired with an undergraduate student, a faculty member, and a graduate student, who serve as their mentors on research teams for the academic year.
NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium (PSGC) Undergraduate Research Internship Program — The Pennsylvania Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internship Program (URIP) is designed to foster early research engagement and workforce development among first-year students at Penn State-University Park. This program provides an exciting research experience to students early in their undergraduate studies providing a great foundation for graduate school or the STEM industry.
This program allows students to gain valuable hands-on research experience, enhancing their academic journey and contributing to real world advancements in STEM. URIP has built a broad and outstanding community of student researchers. With an application deadline in fall, the Pennsylvania Space Grant Undergraduate Research Programs is open to first year students at University Park.
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) — Each year, the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs (OGEEP) works in partnership with the BTAA. Students are from colleges and universities across the country and from the University of Puerto Rico system. The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is an eight-week research program designed to interest talented undergraduate students in academic careers and to enhance their preparation for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors. In addition to the research experience, the program includes professional development workshops, seminars, field trips, and social activities.
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program -- The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (also known as the McNair Scholars Program) is one of the federally funded TRiO programs at Penn State. It is designed to provide one-on-one support to undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuit of a Ph.D. The McNair Scholars program does not provide financial support or scholarships.
Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates– The MC REU program supports Penn State undergraduate students from campuses to conduct summer research with EMS faculty at University Park. Working with their faculty mentors, selected students will complete their proposed research project and engage in professional development sessions weekly throughout the program. Professional development sessions cover topics including research safety and ethics, effective research communication, presentation skills, graduate school information, and more. Preference is given to students associated with a commonwealth campus who are working towards a degree connected to the College of Engineering or the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Interdisciplinary Climate Science Research – This nine-and-a-half-week program is available to undergraduate students to pursue research in climate science, scientific inquiry, and science communication. The program seeks to expose students to the full range of scientific exploration, from the generation of hypotheses to communicating research findings and their implications to other scientists and the general public. For more information contact Co-Directors: Dr. Manzhu Yu, mqy5198@psu.edu, or Dr. John Peters, John.M.Peters@psu.edu.
Empowering Underrepresented Students in Nanomanufacturing of Emerging 2D Devices -- Hosted by Penn State's Nanofabrication facility and the 2D Crystal Consortium Materials Innovation Platform facility, the NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduate Site "Nanomanufacturing of Emerging 2D Materials and Devices" is a ten-week summer research program designed to provide undergraduates with hands-on experience in cutting-edge nanomanufacturing technologies. The program focuses on 2D materials which have potential applications in next-generation semiconductor devices and photonics. Students work in small, interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with faculty advisors and graduate student mentors to explore novel device development and process innovations. This team-based structure mirrors the collaborative environment typical of the semiconductor industry. Alongside their research projects, students receive comprehensive training in laboratory safety, responsible research conduct, and data management. They also have opportunities for professional development, networking with industry scientists and engineers, and participating in social activities. The program aims to motivate and prepare students for graduate studies, while contributing to the U.S. research and manufacturing pipeline in semiconductor technology. Additionally, it places strong emphasis on mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in science and engineering, further expanding opportunities for diverse talent in the field. From 2019 to 2022, thirty-eight undergraduate students participated. Of the 38 students, 45% were female (17), 55% were self-reported as a member of a historically underrepresented minority group (21) in STEM, and nearly 70% were from academic institutions where research is limited (27). For more information or to apply, contact Ron Redwing rdr10@psu.edu.
Student Organizations for Underrepresented Students
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences has the following college-wide undergraduate organizations:
- Minorities in EMS (MEMS)
- Women and Gender Diversity in EMS (WEMS)
- EMS Undergraduate Student Council, which has a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) position
EMS students have participated in a number of cross-unit, diversity-focused student organizations during their time at Penn State, such as:
- Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Phi Sigma Rho Sorority (Women in science and engineering)
- Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANRRS)
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
- Society for Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
- First-Gen Advocates (students who will be the first in their immediate family to graduate from a College or University)
- First-Gen Affinity at World Campus
Additionally, each of our departments has department/discipline specific organizations supporting diversity, inclusive excellence, and belonging. These include:
Check your department’s website or talk with your department’s Associate Head for Undergrad Programs or Associate Head for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for more information about what clubs exist or are forming within your department.
Penn State has many more student organizations, which you can browse through in the student organization directory. Find Penn State Registered Student Organizations at discover.psu.edu. All are open to any student interested in the topic and mission of the organization.
Department Resources
Each of our EMS departments has an Associate Head for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Contact the Associate Head for your department to learn more about programs and events in your department.
- Department of Geography: Dr. Beth King bethking@psu.edu
- Department of Geosciences: Contact Dr. Liz Hajek eah21@psu.edu https://www.geosc.psu.edu/about/who-we-are/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
- John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering: Contact Dr. Chiara LoPrete cxl63@psu.edu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering: Contact Dr. Allison Beese amb961@psu.edu https://www.matse.psu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-student-experiences/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging
- Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science: Contact Dr. Eugene Clothiaux eec3@psu.edu
Campus Resources
- Living Learning Communities (LLCs) — Live with and learn from classmates who share similar interests as you. LLCs include:
- ALLY House provides an open, safe, and inclusive living environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally students.
- First-year Science and Engineering House (FISE) offers a residential experience for students seeking to live in a diverse and inclusive STEM-focused LLC.
- Earth and Mineral Sciences House helps students connect with EMS faculty as well as educational service and social opportunities with students from EMS majors.
- The Women in Science and Engineering House (WISE) actively promotes an equitable and inclusive LLC for residents in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- First-Year Veterans
- Gender Inclusive Housing
- Joint Service ROTC Housing
- Global Engagement
- ROAR House
- Student Disability Resources
- Paul Robeson Cultural Center
- Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention and Community Education Center (R-VOICE)
- All Gender Restrooms
- Adult Learners Programs and Services
- Prior Learning Assessment — how to request academic credit for equivalent life experience
- Office of Veterans Programs
- Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development
More ways of getting connected with your community, accessing student services, and creating a community of belonging, support, success and wellness can be found the Penn State Student Affairs website.
Getting Help or Assistance
Penn State offers numerous resources specifically for underrepresented students seeking assistance with a variety of concerns. We also encourage you to contact staff in our Office for the Associate Dean for Educational Equity, who can work with you and may be able to point you to additional resources.
- Student Legal Services
- University Police — Report a Crime
- Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- University Health Services
- Report Bias
- Office of Sexual Misconduct Reporting & Response
We highly recommend these important University references:
- Belonging at Penn State Calendar
- Penn State Statement on Belonging
- Advancing Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity-Our Commitment to Impact: The Pennsylvania State University’s Strategic Plan for 2020 to 2025
- Community and Belonging from the University Office of Educational Equity
- DEIB Dashboard
If you have questions about any equity initiative in the college, please contact the EMS Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Equity