Acknowledging the need for a diverse group of leaders versed in the challenges of climate adaptation and aware of the multi-disciplinary nature of impacts, the CASC network has initiated the Climate Adaptation Scientists of Tomorrow (CAST) Program and recently selected its first cohort of fellows. The CAST Program is an immersive undergraduate research experience that aims to:

• Increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)  
• Cultivate the next generation of climate scientists 
• Foster climate science programs at Minority Serving Institutions (Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal College and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions) 

CAST program features and benefits include:

• Building climate science skills, training, and development for two years
• Joining a cohort of 12 undergraduate students with common interests across the U.S.
• Leading an undergraduate research project, in their area of interest, at a leading university
• Building strong professional partnerships with a scientist-mentor, graduate students, and faculty scholars
• Engaging in university programs to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Participating in trainings to prepare for a career in climate adaptation science

Four universities will host the 2022-2023 fellow cohort offering:

• Summer research experiences for at least 3 undergraduate students over two years (i.e., same students for two summers)
• Development awards to support at least 2 current or recent CASC fellows per year
• A one-week stipend to host a visiting scholar selected from the faculty of a Minority Serving Institution

Partner Universities:

The following partner universities from across the CASC network will work with regional partners to support the fellows throughout the CAST experience with program highlights specific to their region:

University of Colorado, Boulder

Region: North Central CASC

Program Highlights:

• Focus on Tribal Climate Leaders
• Integrates TCUs into NC CASC science symposium and ideas collider
• Students actively involved in mentor selection (interest-based placement)
• Summer graduate mentors for undergraduates (near-peer mentoring)
• Co-housing and co-programming with existing on-campus activities

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Region: Northeast CASC

Partners: Cheyney University

Program Highlights:

• Integrates undergraduates into existing on-campus programs
• Both peer and near-peer mentoring for undergraduates
• Faculty and graduate student mentors providing guidance and professional development
• Supports two graduate fellows for summer, near-peer mentoring
• Provides for training throughout the CASC on DEIJ

Auburn University

Region: Southeast CASC

Partners: Louisiana State University, Savannah State University, Jackson State University

Program Highlights:

• Combines summer undergraduate experiences with LSU (including research experience and a research symposium)
• Two mentors for each student with a graduate student mentor (near-peer)
• Virtual one-day program on enhancing science communication, cultural competencies, meeting management, conflict resolution, and workplace relationships

Louisiana State University

Region: South Central CASC

Partners: Auburn University, Savannah State University, Jackson State University

Program Highlights:

• Combines summer undergraduate experiences with Auburn University (including research experience and a research symposium)
• Includes faculty and graduate student mentors (near-peer)
• Virtual one-day program on enhancing science communication, cultural competencies, meeting management, conflict resolution, and workplace relationships (Co-hosted with AU)

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Learn more about the CAST program here.