An Eclectic Group Ponders How to Boost Hispanic Enrollment in Weather and Climate Science

The mysteries of the atmosphere are compelling enough to bring many into the fold of atmospheric and related science. But if you're a first-generation college student from an underrepresented group, other factors may steer you away, according to UCAR's Raj Pandya.

"If you're a bright young Latina and you have a choice between medicine, law, or climate science, you might go for medicine or law because they provide a more obvious opportunity to benefit your community and a proven strategy for climbing the economic ladder," he says.

This point was among many that emerged at a daylong "listening conference" held on 2 March by Metropolitan State College of Denver. Organized by UCAR's Community Building Program, which Pandya directs, and Metro State, the meeting's goal was to identify ways to increase Latino involvement in weather and climate science and green-economy careers. Partners included the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) School of Public Affairs and the Boulder-based Namasté Solar, one of the area's leading alternative energy companies.