Bloomberg giving Johns Hopkins $150 million to diversify science PhD programs

What they're saying: "STEM fields play an increasingly important role in developing innovative solutions to a wide range of pressing challenges, yet STEM PhD programs don't reflect the broad diversity of our country," Bloomberg said.

• "So creating more equitable opportunities for more students is critical to our country's future in so many ways," Bloomberg added.
• "Scientific discovery that continually advances human flourishing and creates a healthier, safer world must be fueled by the expertise and insights of people of differing perspectives and ideas," Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels said.
• "Yet decades of data and our own experience show the persistent truth that PhD programs, particularly in the STEM fields, do not reflect the full spectrum of available talent," Daniels continued.

The big picture: The initiative will "create new pathways for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions to pursue and earn PhDs in STEM fields," the university said.