What is meant by “underutilized” and “underserved” groups in science and technology?
The terms “underutilized” and “underserved” have special meaning in this context. In Equal Opportunity organizations, the operative phrase is “underrepresented in science and engineering” which is currently defined as individuals of Hispanic, African American, Pacific Islander, and Native American origins. In particular, all federal agencies, including NASA, have legislative and White House mandates to increase their support to minority universities. Such universities include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other institutions certified by the Department of Education as having more than 50% combined minority undergraduate enrollment. A complete list of all accredited minority institutions is available from the Department of Education at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html (also see Appendix H). The Office of Space Science has funded a group of minority u
