In 1973 NCAR's Advanced Study Program set up its Atlanta Fellowship program. Six college seniors from five predominantly African American colleges in Atlanta worked alongside NCAR scientists while taking courses in FORTRAN and introductory atmospheric science. The program was later broadened to other colleges and universities and was succeeded by the NCAR-wide Summer Employment Program in 1980. Today the SOARS program carries on the academic outreach started by the Atlants Fellowship. SOARS, Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science, is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge program designed to broaden participation in the atmospheric and related sciences. This image shows one of the Atlanta Fellowship students with her NCAR mentor Mel Shapiro.
