Over the last year, our team partnered with Healing Equity United, an expert in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), to evaluate the NOAA Teacher at Sea application process. This analysis included exploring the diversity amongst our participants and identifying ways we could ensure our community is more inclusive. As part of this undertaking, our team participated in bias training offered by HEU. After we completed the training, we agreed we should incorporate an abbreviated version of their training into our application review process.
In addition to this online bias training, we are offering an optional opportunity for you to take a deeper dive into this topic through an additional live, virtual training conducted by HEU. In recognition of your time, you will receive a certificate of completion for each training session you attend.
Another way to demonstrate our commitment to DEI principles was to write, publish, and commit to the statement listed below. This captures why we believe it is important to take this first step and adjust our application review process. It also highlights the positive outcomes we hope to achieve for our current and future community.
We are grateful to you for reviewing applications and appreciate you helping us expand this amazing community.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hammond