Established by the Howard University Board of Trustees in 1997, the Program is affiliated with the Departments of Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering and Physics and Astronomy. HUPAS is dedicated to preparing students from traditionally underrepresented groups for leadership careers in atmospheric science and related fields.

HUPAS is aiding federal agencies such as NOAA and NASA, as well as industry and academia diversify this niche area of the workforce while engaging in leading research directly relevant to national security, commerce and environmental security. In a relatively short period of existence HUPAS has emerged as an exemplar in realizing Howard?s mission by: delivering experiences of exceptional quality to students; helping to attract a cadre of strong, socially responsible scholars and educators; impacting diversity statistics on the national production of atmospheric scientists, and contributing to critical societal needs through research.