Faculty Diversity Internship Programs in California Community Colleges

The disparity between the demographics of California's community college students and faculty is striking. Specifically, underrepresented minority (URM) students represent the largest population at 49%, yet only 22% of faculty are URM. In 1992, legislation was passed to allow community colleges to establish Faculty Diversity Internship Programs (FDIPs) to "promote inclusive efforts to locate and attract qualified graduate students who are members of monitored groups identified by gender, ethnicity, and disability" (Title 5. Education California Code of Regulations, n.d.). This study used a program evaluation to examine two FDIP sites. The study revealed four benefits of participation: (1) mentorship, (2) teaching experience, (3) professional development, and (4) networking and collaboration opportunities. The study found that although the FDIP does not have a significant impact on increasing faculty diversity, it does have a significant impact on preparing faculty for employment in a diverse community college.