Salt Lake Community College was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation in an effort to boost participation in the geology program.
The $334,000 grant will be used to pay for eight geology majors to perform undergraduate research projects and field projects, including collecting data, discovering new patterns and sampling equipment.
SLCC geology professor Chris Johnson is teaming up with University of Utah and Weber State University to allow students to gain a better knowledge of geology with an opportunity to transfer to either institution. With a nationwide shortage in geology majors, the demand in this career field is extremely high with increased wages.
“The goal is to increase the number of geology majors that graduate from SLCC to transfer and increase diversity,” Johnson says. “This is a great opportunity for students to gain skills that will be needed in this career path.”
SLCC and the Department of Geology encourages women and students with ethnic backgrounds to enroll in this technical degree. For more information, contact Professor Christopher Johnson at cjohn593@bruinmail.slcc.edu.