Underrepresented groups

Closeup view of blueberries and other tundra plants

Resources for those who identify with historically excluded groups

We may not have all the answers, but we'll help you find the support you need. Contact one or more of the INSTAAR JEDI task force leaders if you need someone to listen or to help connect you with campus groups and resources.

INSTAAR Summer Scholarships for grad students

2022 scholarship recipient Sáde Clemons studied tree response to the 2013 Front Range flood, including the use of carbon and oxygen isotopes.

Next application deadline: March 1, 2025.

INSTAAR graduate students are invited to apply for INSTAAR Summer Scholarships. These awards are intended to support the scientific research of INSTAAR graduate students who enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within INSTAAR. Each scholarship recipient will be awarded compensation in the form of a research stipend, equivalent to a 50% RA position for three summer months.

As INSTAAR is dedicated to broadening support in the Earth sciences, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who are members of communities that are historically marginalized in the Earth sciences; including students who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latinx. We also encourage applications from students who can show dedicated engagement with Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to continue their research at INSTAAR for at least one academic year following the scholarship award. 

See more about our Summer Scholarships 

 

Sarah Crump Graduate Fellowship 

Thanks to the efforts of Sarah's family and 1200+ generous donors, we met our first funding goal in May 2023 and created an endowment that supports a CU Boulder grad student every summer. Sarah's summer fellowship gives a boost to their study of Earth or environmental science in Arctic, Antarctic, or alpine regions. It also acts as a lever for equity and underserved communities. Our next goal is to extend summer support into the school year. Please consider contributing.

Learn about Sarah & her fellowship   

INSTAAR mentoring

All people new to INSTAAR are invited into NewSTAAR peer mentoring, where they are paired with a current INSTAAR who can help them get to know people and the institute and find resources.

This program is for those considering applying for graduate school. GAAP participants are paired with current students who help them navigate the application process.

Meetups for underrepresented groups

Hosted by INSTAAR. Join a monthly, in-person, and fun chance to speak Spanish, trade stories, learn new cultures and make friends. Bring your own lunch. We will provide some snacks and/or sodas. Bring your ideas, enthusiasm and Spanish language (all levels welcome!).

Last Thursdays at 12-1pm in the SEEC Café  

Hosted by ICS+CIRES. Join a monthly virtual meeting for those who align with Black, Indigenous or other people of color (BIPOC) and friends to connect, create community, and support one another.  We may choose a theme to center our discussions each month. For example, food, hair, family, music etc.

First Fridays, September to December & February to May at 2:30 - 3:30pm online.  UPDATE: This regular meeting is on hiatus due to medical issues for the organizer.

Did you experience or witness problematic behavior?

INSTAAR’s primary responsibility is to create and maintain a safe and inclusive work environment for all. What can you do if you experience or witness problematic behavior such as microaggressions or instances of harassment? 

Explore ways to report, get support, and help