The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded initiative aimed at doubling the number of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander students earning baccalaureate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) over five years. In Minnesota, this initiative is known as the North Star STEM Alliance, a partnership of sixteen higher education institutions. Augsburg’s LSAMP program is designed to support STEM students through peer mentoring, workshops, research opportunities, and industry visits.
North Star STEM Alliance Goals
- Double the number of underrepresented students earning STEM bachelor’s degrees across partner institutions within five years.
- Create an alliance of collegiate institutions and community organizations to increase the success rates of underrepresented students pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
- Promote institutional change that fosters diversity and inclusion across partner campuses.
North Star STEM Alliance Objectives
To increase the number of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander students earning STEM degrees, the North Star STEM Alliance has outlined the following objectives:
- Support student achievement through study groups, tutoring, and supplemental instruction.
- Engage students in their fields through faculty mentorship and research opportunities.
- Explore career options in 4-year colleges, industry, and graduate school.
- Build community through social networking, peer mentorship, and student organizations.
To accomplish these objectives, the North Star STEM Alliance will implement comprehensive, long-term initiatives, including:
- Alliance-wide community-building conferences
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Programs to help students transition successfully to college-level STEM programs
- Industry internships and professional development
- Publicity for current STEM research