This fund will be used solely to create scholarships for future black scientists, naturalists, and conservationists. Black people are woefully underrepresented in the sciences in general, and this needs to change. FPI is committed to addressing not only practical barriers to enrollment in our field courses and research training programs --such as the monetary cost of participating-- but also addressing social and psychological barriers as well. This means making a concerted effort to recruit people of color into our programs, making sure our messaging is inclusive, and ensuring that the field environment is safe and welcoming. We believe that without more black voices in scientific fields and black contributions to research and conservation, our community is incomplete and the world at large is a much poorer place. 

Sincerely, 

The Field Projects International Team.