Program for Underrepresented STEM Students at NSC Receives Additional $1.5M
The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, which has served more than 160 North Seattle College (NSC) students over the past two years, was renewed for another three years, thanks to a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant.
The funding enables continued growth of the program, whose purpose is to strengthen the preparation, representation and success of historically underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) transfer programs. Underrepresented students include those who identify as Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islanders and Filipino. Representation in STEM fields for these groups is much lower than it should be based on the ethnic composition of the general population.
“This grant renewal represents a critical part of our mission to prepare each student for success in life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged and dynamic community,” said NSC President Dr. Rachel Solemsaas. “In the first two years, we’ve seen the LSAMP program grown by nearly 90%, and the retention rate is higher than 77% and only getting better.”
Other highlights of the program in its first two years include:
- Thirty-five students completing research in the form of an internship, a summer research experience and/or the college’s Undergraduate Research course.
- Dozens of students attending STEM conferences across the country where they presented their research.
- Building partnerships with external partners such as Microsoft, UW Medicine, the University of Washington Clean Energy Institute, the Pacific Northwest LSAMP Alliance and the Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand.
“The program really focuses on providing support and encouragement to students to help them prepare for a successful career in STEM,” said NSC’s LSAMP Program Director Tina Akinyi. “They participate in undergraduate research centered on building self-confidence along with their racial and STEM identities, with projects connected to the broader world in which they live.
“They explore careers, receive mentorship from faculty and industry professionals and connect with a diverse network of their peers.”
NSC’s participation in LSAMP is part of the Puget Sound Alliance, a partnership with Green River College and Pierce College. Each college is committed to implementing and enhancing programs that encourage and support LSAMP students to successfully complete their associate of science degree and transfer into a STEM baccalaureate program. Each partner institution participates in alliance-wide activities and offers project activities at its own campus.
For more about LSAMP and its positive impact on NSC students, please watch this video.
Who was Louis Stokes?
Louis Stokes (Feb. 23, 1925 - Aug. 18, 2015) was a civil rights attorney who served 30 years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of Ohio. Stokes was the first African American congressperson elected in Ohio, as well as the first African American to serve on the House Appropriations committee (which oversees all federal spending bills). More information about his incredible career and legacy is available on the History, Art & Archives website for the House of Representatives. Stokes spent his life serving and defending those in need. This National Science Foundation program is named in his honor.