Minority PhDs in Physics: 20{\%} Representation and a Plan to Address This

Physics ranks near the bottom of science disciplines in helping minorities attain PhDs; only 5-6{\%} of all doctorates given to US citizens go to Hispanic-, African-, or Native-Americans. The good news is that to bring this number up to 10{\%} (the rate at which we educate minorities at the bachelor level) will require only about 20 more individuals each year. The American Physical Society is launching a national program to replicate effective bridge programs with minority serving institutions and leading research universities. This presentation will give a description of tactics that have been shown to assist all students in making the transition to graduate school from both intellectual and social perspectives. In addition, details of the APS bridge program will be presented. We hope that the presentation will inspire further discussion about and interest in participating in these efforts.