Cooperative Science Centers (CSC)

EPP established five Cooperative Science Centers at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to advance collaborative research in the NOAA-mission sciences. The first four Cooperative Science Centers were established in 2001 and the fifth Center in 2006. The Center Director and Distinguished Scientist at each Center develop and lead key education and research activities. NOAA provides funding to eligible MSIs, on a competitive basis, to educate, train and graduate students in NOAA sciences, particularly atmospheric, oceanic, environmental, marine science, remote sensing and scientific environmental technology. The CSC goals are to:

• Educate, train and graduate students, particularly from underrepresented communities, in NOAA sciences;
• Increase graduation rates of students from underrepresented minority communities in NOAA sciences;
• Impact NOAA and national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce statistics by increasing the number of graduates from underrepresented communities in NOAA sciences;
• Contribute to NOAA’s mission by strengthening and building capacity in NOAA scientific and management areas at MSIs as well as building research experience in NOAA scientific areas; and,
• Leverage NOAA funds to build the education, training and research capacity at the MSI.