ARC-Learn was designed to explore possible solutions to some of these systemic barriers by providing a low intensity, long duration research experience with no field work, utilizing best practices for inclusive mentorship and focusing specifically on polar science.

The goal of this program was to train the next generation of creative and diverse scientists to solve critical environmental challenges in polar regions. ARC-Learn was intended to enable underrepresented and non-traditional students to persist in their STEM trajectories, participate in a research community to cultivate identities as emerging STEM professionals, build data-rich science competencies and practice 21st-century skills.

This program was hosted through a collaboration between Oregon State University’s STEM Research Center and the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS), and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Award #2110854). CEOAS provided administration and implementation for the program, while the STEM Research Center conducted educational research intended to expand knowledge about design and implementation of long duration, lower-intensity, team-based undergraduate research experiences, and how mentors can develop inclusive mentoring competencies and efficacy.