Naming the SMD Bridge Program--A White Paper

TL;DR

This white paper discusses the need to rename NASA's SMD Bridge Program to better reflect its mission and address stakeholder concerns about potential stigmatization and misconceptions.

Contribution

It analyzes stakeholder feedback and advocates for a name change to improve the program's clarity and inclusiveness.

Findings

Stakeholders are concerned about the term 'Bridge' stigmatizing students.

A name change is recommended to better reflect the program's mission.

Addressing naming concerns can enhance program perception and participation.

Abstract

NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has initiated a program to enhance the participation of historically underrepresented institutions and communities in NASA's mission. Currently known as the NASA SMD Bridge Program, its goal is to establish enduring partnerships among these institutions, research-intensive universities, and NASA centers. There are concerns about using "Bridge" in the program's name, with stakeholders suggesting that it might stigmatize students and mislead applicants about its focus. In this white paper, we address these concerns and conclude that a name change that better reflects the mission of this SMD effort is necessary to address these concerns.