Physics now must compete for the best and brightest. How do we collectively locate, nurture, and advance students who will become our colleagues regardless of opportunities they may or may not have had as they began their studies? There is good evidence that strategies used to attract us into the field are missing large numbers of capable and eager students. I will discuss programs and new approaches that are opening the door to students who may not have felt welcome in the past, but who are now bringing their insights and hard work to solving the next generation of physics problems. We will discuss how the Michigan physics department can help with and benefit from these programs.

This is an inaugural MLK Day Department Colloquium.