The MI-LSAMP Alliance consists of four, 4-year institutions, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University, and two community colleges, Mott Community College and Washtenaw Community College. The overall goal of the MI-LSAMP is to significantly increase the number of underrepresented minority students earning baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields from the participating universities and prepare them for entry into graduate programs. This goal will be achieved by activities focused on increasing degrees earned at both community colleges and four-year institutions, increasing numbers of students transferring from two year to four-year programs, and increasing numbers of students matriculating into STEM graduate programs.
The Alliance has developed a holistic, cohort-based approach, the MI-LSAMP STEM Scholars Program, where students start out together in a summer program before entering their institution and have continued support throughout the academic year and until graduation, including research experiences. Professional and personal development for students will include individual development plans, experiential learning, peer mentoring, and culturally responsible financial advising.
The Alliance’s knowledge-generating research study is focused on investigating which strengths-based interventions, at the institutional, program and personal level, are most effective in broadening participation in STEM.
Pre-First Year Programs
NxtGEN Summer Institute
MI-LSAMP’s flagship program for all alliance participants is a virtual summer experience based on the best available research on student retention practices.
iSTEM Summer Seminar at MSU
iSTEM is an immersive experience for LSAMP STEM Scholars who have been admitted to Michigan State University. This residential program facilitates social connections to other STEM students and the campus community, provides in-depth exploration of learning environments and resources, and supports continued academic preparation for successful transition to a rigorous collegiate learning environment.
Engineering and Science Success Academy (ESSA)
The ESSA is a multi-week, residential, academic intensive program designed to acclimate incoming first-year engineers to both the academic and environmental aspects of post-secondary education. Participants will attend daily classes in Math, Writing and Science. Workshops and presentations will expose students to post-graduation and professional opportunities. The first ESSA launched in 2007 with MI-LSAMP funding, and with consistent success became institutionally funded in 2012.
Research Programs
MI-LSAMP programs and personnel provide workshops, coaching, support and partnerships to position STEM Scholars for acceptance to comprehensive and funded research training with faculty mentors and preparation for graduate school.