The Foundation recently made a $10,000 grant to The International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD). We made this grant in large part because the mission of IAGD fits well with the spirit of the Minka Scholarship Program. From their grant request we learn that the mission of IAGD is as follows: “To improve access to the Earth sciences for persons with disabilities and promote communities of inclusive research, instruction and student support.”
Here’s a bit of background information on IAGD:
“Formed in 2008 as a grassroots advisory group to students with disabilities interested in pursuing a career in the Earth sciences, we became an official non-profit organization in January of 2013. With a membership network that spans across the U.S. and in over 30 countries we work with many universities and corporations to promote access and inclusiveness.”
And here’s a bit on how IAGD plans to use their grant:
“These funds will support a new leadership training program that will bring twenty individuals from across K-12, academia, and industry together to learn about inclusive practices and broadening participation of persons with disabilities in the sciences. This multi-day program will be hosted at the University of Cincinnati and consist of leadership development activities, mentor/mentee relationship training, program development and marketing, and fundraising, that all promote full access and inclusion.”
Congratulations to IAGD on their grant award and we wish them well in their efforts to bring the Earth sciences to persons who are differently abled.