The School of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) has hosted a successful NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program for a number of years. A primary focus of the REU program is to target the enrollment of substantial numbers of women and students from underrepresented groups, including minority students, first-generation students, and LGBTQIA students. This builds on on-going initiatives that have allowed us to attract very diverse cohorts of participants in previous programs. For instance, over the last two funding cycles (2009-2014) and in conjunction with a generous multi-year grant from 3M, the Program has supported 64 student participants, of whom 50% were women, and 47% were underrepresented minorities. The specific activities and initiatives to target women and underrepresented groups will be discussed. A key part of the discussion will center on the importance of leveraging support (both intra- and extra- institutionally) and developing strategic partnerships with other institutions.

Strategic targeting of diverse cohorts: A glimpse into the Georgia Tech REU program

251st National Meeting (2016)

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