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Experiential Learning for the Future Critical Minerals Workforce

A 4-week summer program at UH

Training students for careers in critical minerals, sustainability, and emerging technology

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This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Program Overview

This NSF ExLENT program focuses on training the next generation of professionals in critical minerals exploration, processing, and sustainability.

We will recruit community college and high school students for a four-week summer training hosted by the University of Houston in partnership with local industry partners. Participants will gain hands-on experience through lab research, field trips, and mentorship in geoscience, materials science, and AI technologies.

This project aims to develop and strengthen a critical minerals workforce pipeline that connects high schools, community colleges, universities, and industry partners. 

Participants will receive opportunities for

  • Industry site experiences
  • One-on-one mentorship and career advising
  • Ongoing cohort support and networking
  • Student membership for professional organization SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration)

What you'll learn

  • Explain why critical minerals matter for energy, technology, and defense sectors
  • Demonstrate foundational geoscience and materials science knowledge
  • Identify minerals and apply spectroscopy and geophysical mapping basics
  • Run laboratory experiments in electromechanical recovery of rare earth elements (REEs)
  • Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
  • Use AI tools for data analysis and problem-solving
  • Build career readiness through mentorship and networking

Weekly Schedule

This is a four-week progression from foundations to fieldwork and capstone activities.

Week 1

Kick off with program orientation, key concepts in critical minerals, and practical AI training for learning and data analysis.

Week 2

Deepen geoscience skills and apply them through industry site experiences.

Week 3

Explore battery technology concepts tied to critical minerals, and learn from industry perspectives and use cases.

Week 4

Capstone week with a field trip and “MineralDathon” final presentations.

*Note: module details and daily agendas may be refined as the program date approaches.