More Latinos for Astrophysics

 

POSTED ON Jul 23, 2017

 

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Latino Initiatives Program is a year-long internship program for talented undergraduate science majors who participate in the Urban Massachusetts Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Programs on the campuses of the University of Massachusetts.

This program received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center.

Partnering with the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) since 2015, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) provides both a summer and academic-year internship experience for 3-5 students annually.

With generous start-up support from the Smithsonian Latino Initiative Pool and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) at the University of Massachusetts, the Program sponsors seminars and outreach activities that raise awareness about the journeys, accomplishments, and ambitions of Latinos and other underrepresented communities within physics and astronomy.

SAO/LIP has welcomed undergraduate majors in physics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and engineering, which is reflective of the ever increasing interdisciplinary nature of science.

The Latino Initiatives Pool is a federal fund managed by the Smithsonian Latino Center providing financial support to Smithsonian units for exhibits, research, collections, conservation, archival work and school and public programs. These projects must further the understanding and appreciation of Latino contributions in the areas of science, history, art, and culture. Acting on the recommendations of a review panel, the Latino Center directs funds to programs and projects which demonstrate the greatest public impact and represent and highlight the U.S. Latino experience.

Since 1995 over 400 Smithsonian programs and projects have received Latino Initiatives Pool support totaling over $20 million.