NEW USAID PARTNERSHIP PROMOTES EQUITY IN SCIENCE
Posted on February 26, 2021
Friday, February 26, 2021
Office of Press Relations
press@usaid.gov
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a formal partnership with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), a national society that promotes the academic and professional advancement of historically underrepresented groups. USAID and MANRRS will partner to increase diversity in the next generation of science professionals and ensure they are set up for success throughout their careers. This partnership exemplifies USAID’s commitment to ensuring equity in USAID’s workforce, moving closer to a workforce that is reflective of the American people.
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a formal partnership with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), a national society that promotes the academic and professional advancement of historically underrepresented groups. USAID and MANRRS will partner to increase diversity in the next generation of science professionals and ensure they are set up for success throughout their careers. This partnership exemplifies USAID’s commitment to ensuring equity in USAID’s workforce, moving closer to a workforce that is reflective of the American people.
USAID’s agricultural scientists and experts, as well as its extensive network of research organizations, tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges, such as poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. USAID remains committed to building a pipeline of diverse talent that brings the best of American ingenuity to meet these growing and urgent challenges.
Through this partnership, USAID’s agricultural and development experts will support MANRRS members in their career journeys by participating in webinars, workshops, mentorship programs, and more. For example, USAID will launch a mentoring program that will pair students with scientists, farmers, and technicians overseas for short-term exchanges where MANRRS members can apply their research and skills to development challenges.
This partnership is part of USAID’s efforts to advance equity for all, particularly people of color and others who have been historically underrepresented in global health and development fields. USAID is committed to ensuring all job applicants and members of the Agency’s workforce have equitable access to employment opportunities, and fostering a work environment that is free from discrimination. Doing so enables the Agency to better achieve its mission and promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad.
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MANRRS