The Strategic Imperative #3 Champions committee explored our institute goal to "Promote access and cultural innovation through robust workforce development programs, inspiring engagement, collaboration, and leadership at all levels." We identified two programs to work on, in order to support this strategic imperative. The Science Pathways Program was launched in the summer of 2024 with the goal of broadening CIRES recruiting efforts and sharing CIRES' science with audiences that do not have direct access to scientists otherwise through relationship building efforts with local institutions. Nine CIRES researchers applied and attended a training on inclusive communication strategies. Come hear about our first engagement at Morgan Community College! We also launched a new graduate student mentoring program, which offered small group sessions led by CIRES professional scientists, focusing on topics like networking, skill development, cross-discipline collaboration & community building, and a career panel. This program fosters learning and network-building through interactive workshops tailored to student-chosen topics. Twelve students signed up to attend all four sessions and provide feedback on this new program. Visit our poster to hear more about our ideas to continue both of these programs next year!