Sustaining a Collaborative Partnership Between an Historically Black and a Historically White University: Earth System Science Education

Despite increases over the last few decades in the number of degrees awarded to students from underrepresented groups in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines advancing diversity and inclusion in these disciplines remains a challenge. This paper describes one strategic approach to this challenge-the initiation and long-term sustaining of a partnership between the historically black, Elizabeth City State University, and the historically white, University of New Hampshire. The partnerships which focuses on earth system science education and research, is a type of learning organization that enhances opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue careers in STEM, and advances faculty opportunities between and among all faculty. The paper describes the results of this 9-year partnership, the 7 grants that have been awarded over time that support the partnership, and the "6 principles of partnership" that ground how faculty work across institutional and disciplinary boundaries. Implications for how other universities can achieve such a long terma partnership are also discussed as are lessons learned from this collaborative.