293-5 Establishing the Geo-PAD Consortium: Scaling Successful Undergraduate-to-Graduate Pathways in the Geosciences

Session: Developing and Assessing Workforce Skills in Geoscience Courses and Programs

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The Geoscience Pathways to Advanced Degrees (Geo-PAD) initiative establishes a multi-institutional consortium co-led by Fort Valley State University (an undergraduate HBCU) and Miami University (a graduate research institution). Geo-PAD addresses projected national shortfalls of technical geoscientists and growing workforce demands in critical minerals, energy, and data science by scaling an established interinstitutional bridge model.

This initiative builds on the success of FVSU’s GEOPAths program, which has introduced over 50 students to the geosciences through summer research, paid internships, multi-faceted mentoring, and a newly established geology minor. However, despite accelerated undergraduate engagement, only 20% of these graduates historically matriculated into geoscience graduate programs. Qualitative observations reveal persistent systemic barriers: lack of awareness regarding graduate funding (tuition waivers and stipends), misconceptions about independent research, self-doubt regarding academic preparation, and familial financial pressure to enter the workforce immediately after college.

A recent pilot partnership between FVSU and Miami University directly targeted these obstacles. For example, an FVSU Biology major with a Geology minor completed an EarthScope summer internship, transitioned into Miami’s graduate program, earned an M.S. in two years, and is now employed as a geophysicist at a Fortune 500 energy company. While this pilot proves feasibility, the specific institutional and psychological factors that optimize student transitions require systematic evaluation.

During its planning phase, the Geo-PAD Consortium brings together higher education institutions, technical internship providers, professional societies, and industry partners to build a collaborative Community of Practice. Grounded in Situated Expectancy-Value Theory (SEVT), the project investigates the key drivers of graduate school motivation among students entering the geosciences from non-traditional pathways. Through regular interinstitutional convenings, shared resource networks, and collaborative advising, Geo-PAD systematically evaluates the combined impacts of structured mentoring, hands-on research, targeted financial support, and professional socialization. Ultimately, Geo-PAD aims to co-develop a scalable, transferable framework that broadens participation and prepares a diverse, workforce-ready generation of geoscientists.

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