Spelman College to give Black Women more marine life opportunities

Black Americans make up just six percent of the life sciences workforce, according to the PEW Research Center. Forty-eight percent of those professionals are women. A new initiative between exploration nonprofit OceanX and Spelman College has plans to improve those numbers.

The partnership will focus on four core areas to systematically develop more Black students, especially Black women, into marine scientists. Each year, about 14 students travel on OceanX’s state-of-the-art scientific research vessel, OceanXplorer, for two weeks during the summer months. The program is now teaming up with Spelman to offer its students and faculty an opportunity to take part. In August, three Spelman students are expected to join in on the adventure.

Marine life for Black Girls

Students who travel with OceanX as part of the Young Explorers program will be immersed in hands-on research in marine biology and oceanography. They will be housed in a scientific lab at sea and under the supervision of professionals already practicing in ocean exploration.