Joseph Dees Final.pdf

In a time where diversity and privilege are being underscored with events around the nation, the plight of underrepresented minority(URM) students becomes more prevalent. Diversity of background and culture is necessary in the research community as that diversity will drive the inclusion of different ideas and techniques for exploring and learning about the past, present, and future. With many studies evaluating how to increase the number of URM students attending and graduating from colleges and universities with a bachelor's degree, one question still remains. How can we also improve the quality and quantity of these same students that pursue a post-baccalaureate degree? And more specifically, how do we increase the number of URM students attaining a Ph.D. in Physics? While there are programs, such as the APS Bridge Program, all ready in place to assist in reaching these students, the knowledge of these programs is lacking in many of the colleges and universities that are graduating the highest number of URM students in physics. The focus of this discussion is how to increase the distribution of materials, raise awareness of the bridge program, and solicit highly qualified URM applicants to the APS Bridge Program.