Five Years of Minorities in Shark Sciences: Lessons Learned in Education and Outreach, Professional Development and...

The persistent underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in marine science highlights the need for targeted interventions that address systemic barriers to inclusion, retention, and advancement. Minorities in Shark Sciences, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equity in marine science through shark and ocean conservation, has developed a suite of programs aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, enhancing self-efficacy, strengthening science identity, and improving career retention among BIPOC scientists. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these programs using mixed-methods data collected from participants between 2020 and 2025. Quantitative surveys measured changes in participants' sense of belonging, science identity, and self-efficacy before and after program engagement, while qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into perceived barriers, support systems, and professional development trajectories. Thematic analysis revealed that culturally affirming mentorship, community-building, and access to fieldwork experiences were key drivers of positive outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of identity-affirming, community-rooted programming in diversifying STEM fields and offer a scalable model for improving retention and success of BIPOC professionals in marine and environmental sciences.