EcologyPlus, an NSF INCLUDES Development and Design Launch Pilot (DDLP), involves 15 partnering regional universities, non-profit organizations, scientific societies, and local/federal agencies in the Washington DC-Maryland region. Implemented in March 2018, the program uses a collective impact (CI) approach to engage organizations and professionals from diverse backgrounds to identify and share information and resources to support career development aimed at reshaping the workforce by increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities in ecology and related environmental sciences. CI is a form of cross-sector collaboration of otherwise disparate and unconnected efforts to address complex social and environmental challenges. Efforts are brought together by a) a common agenda, b) shared measurements and a strategic learning process, c) reinforcing, high leverage activities, d) inclusive community engagement, and e) a social innovation movement facilitated by active leadership. Based on the premise that no single program can provide everything for students along their career pathway from UG to early career, the EcologyPlus collective seeks to increase awareness of and access to ecology-related career opportunities across all sectors and professions. Together, the group provides long term mentoring and connects students with professionals and programs to provide guidance for a variety of environmental career pathways.
Results/Conclusions
EcologyPlus program participants included 16 undergraduates, three graduate students, and three early career scientists/professionals. CI partner representatives organizes skills workshops, networking/seminar events, a research experience, and a career fair. In addition, participants engaged in monthly mentor meetings. Assessment of program impacts and effectiveness on both participants, mentors and partner representatives revealed that participant awareness and utilization of peer networks increased from 55 to 94%. Participant perception of their identity as a scientist being consistent with their cultural background increased from 25% to 44%. Participants reported a substantial increase (from 32 to 88%) in their understanding of available career information sources and opportunities. Nearly all participants (94%) see an ecological/environmental career as realistic. While all participants expressed a desire for additional guidance for the mentorship component, mentors reported an improvement in helping participants with professional goal setting and sharing realistic career experiences. Partners viewed the diversity goals, mentorship focus, inclusion of recent graduates, and partner diversity as program strengths. Although partners found the program to be a valuable resource and benefitted through expansion of their professional networks, they also were challenged in finding time to participate. Organizational recognition of their participation is an added program goal.