Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMO): LSAMP-California Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Phase III

University Of California-Irvine, Irvine CA

Investigators

Abstract

One of 28 national alliances, CAMP is entering the ninth year of a ten-year cooperative agreement between the National Science Foundation and UC Irvine, the lead campus and administrative center. The primary numerical goal is to double the number of B.S. degrees granted to underrepresented students in SMET (science, mathematics, engineering, technology) majors at the University of California. Offered at the eight general UC campuses, CAMP has created a systemwide network of faculty, program staff and students working toward a common set of measured outcomes. Goals include completion of the B.S. degree, preparation for and transition to graduate school or the professional workplace. The program serves undergraduates through enrichment opportunities and faculty mentored research supported by stipends. This effort has contributed to a 78% increase in B.S. degrees granted by UC from the baseline year (1990-91). Activities center on faculty mentored research experiences, collaborative learning, presenting at scientific conferences, science writing and co-authorship, technology literacy, and preparation for graduate school. Student achievement is disseminated through the Quarterly and on-line, www.camp.uci.edu. A permanent allocation through the UC Regents Diversity Initiative supports program infrastructure, administration, and expansion. Using a synergistic approach, the California Alliance collaborates with affiliated initiatives such as UC LEADS and AGEP (Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate) that enhance baccalaureate degree completion and continuation to advanced study. Responding to the paucity of minorities in faculty positions in the university and nationwide, special emphasis is being placed on encouraging students to prepare for a career in academia, and entering the professoriate. The CAMP mission: Scientists and engineers are best prepared by other scientists and engineers who exhibit and expect scholarly excellence.