The final PRISM Newsletter, published in July 2026, showcases key scholar and program achievements over the course of the six year grant.
PRISM Newsletter: Summer 2026 Collective Edition
Pathways to Research Offers a Critical First Research Experience for Undergraduate Students
The Pathways to Research Program is a collaboration between NSF PRISM and the Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance (LS-NSSA). It addresses disparities in research opportunities for underrepresented students, especially at community colleges, by providing an authentic research experience for first- and second-year undergraduate students, majoring in any STEM discipline(s), with no prior research experience. The opportunity engages students more deeply in their STEM disciplines through research, faculty mentorship, professional development, and preparation for graduate school. The first cohort was composed of 9 students: 4 from Normandale Community College, 2 from Century College, and 3 from St. Olaf College. During the 6-week program, students worked with faculty from Century College, Minneapolis College, Augsburg University, and UMN-TC to develop their laboratory, research, and professional development skills to prepare them for advanced educational opportunities. The program culminated with a research expo at the University of Minnesota where participants presented a research poster. 
8th Annual Applying for Paid Research Experiences in STEM Workshop Takes Place at Augsburg
On November 9th Augsburg University hosted the 8th Annual Applying for Paid Research Experiences in STEM Workshop and Dinner. The event drew over 75 students, staff, and faculty from Augsburg University, Century College, Hamline University, Inver Hills Community College, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis College, Normandale Community College, Saint Paul College, and The University of Minnesota.
Dixie Shafer of URGO and Lara Crombie of the TRIO McNair Scholars program led the workshop on identifying and applying for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). They offered practical advice on finding, applying for, and selecting opportunities.
Check out their presentation here: Paid Research Experiences in STEM: Identifying Opportunities and Applying.
Post-workshop, Participants Split into Concurrent Panels.
Dr. Jennifer Brookins-King facilitated the student and alumni panel on research experiences and perspectives. The six panelists included current undergraduates at Augsburg and the 
University of Minnesota, industry professionals, and a Ph.D. candidate. They shared their research journeys, discussed challenges, offered advice, and fielded audience questions.
Dr. Rebekah Dupont moderated the faculty and staff panel, Supporting Equitable Access and Participation in Research Experiences. The panelists, each representing centers which offer undergraduate research experiences, shared advice about preparing quality applications and what faculty might do to support their students in the process of securing a research opportunity.
The event concluded with dinner, discussion, and networking. Thank you to the panelists, facilitators, and guests for making the 8th Annual REU workshop a fun, informative, afternoon!
Eight Scholars Attend S-STEM Scholar Conference
The first annual S-STEM Scholar Conference was held on September 14-16, 2023 in Washington. D.C. Eight PRISM scholars from our four partner institutions attended: Zak Faarah and Ly Xiong (Augsburg University), and Sarmuna Wei (Century College and Augsburg University); Rachael Dada and Maria Fakhreddine-Escobar (Century College); Eva Skipwith and Justin Third (Minneapolis College); and Devin Garrity (Normandale Community College). The scholars were accompanied by Professor Rebekah Dupont from Augsburg. Rachael, Justin, and Eva presented their research during the poster sessions.
The trip was fully supported by the National Science Foundation and organized by the S-STEM REC.
PRISM Project Partners with INTuitN S-STEM Hub
Augsburg University, Century College, and Minneapolis College have joined an innovative new Hub; INTuitN-STEM: Investigating Non-Tuition Needs among community college STEM students. The Hub was created by The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice at Temple University with support from National Science Foundation (NSF). The purpose of the Hub will be to (a) conduct collaborative research with S-STEM programs to understand and address basic needs insecurity and student access to non-tuition supports and resources and (b) create a broader community of institutions interested in building knowledge around supporting students’ basic needs.
https://hope.temple.edu/projects