Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program (Phase III)

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Tallahassee FL

Investigators

Abstract

Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program (Phase III) Florida A&M University in coalition with Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman College, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Florida Memorial College, University of Miami, Tallahassee Community College, Miami Dade Community College, and Florida Community College at Jacksonville has developed a program to significantly increase the quality and quantity of minority students successfully completing science, engineering and mathematics (SEM) B.S. degree programs as well as significantly increase the number interested in and qualified for matriculation into Ph.D. SEM programs of study. Subsumed under these goals are the following measurable objectives: at least quadruple the annual entry of minority B.S. graduates into Ph.D. SEM programs from 100 (year 2001 baseline) to 500 over the next five years; (2) increase by ten percent (baseline 2320), the number of B.S. degrees awarded to underrepresented minorities in SEM disciplines by the year 2007; and (3) institutionalize the FGLSAMP Project at each participating institution by 2006 to insure FGLSAMP permanence after NSF funding ceases. The Alliance proposes to utilize a holistic model to transition SEM scholars from high school to college, positively influence their retention in college, enhance their B.S. graduation rates from college and entry into Ph.D. degree SEM programs of study. Project activities to realize these goals and objectives include developing structured relationships with school systems and community colleges to attract students to SEM majors; establishing workshops to increase student academic performance; implementing a pre-matriculation institute; and implementing a pre-junior graduate school orientation program and pre-senior research apprenticeship to stimulate student competence and interest in graduate school. The FGLSAMP Project will form partnerships with AGEP Projects, Ph.D. degree granting institutions, other appropriate NSF agencies, national/governmental laboratories, private foundations and private industry to assist in providing funds for research stipends and graduate fellowships for student participants. The Florida Legislature provides $640,000 in matching funds annually to support participating Florida institutions in the FGLSAMP Project. The results from this project will be shared with other institutions and scientists via reports, newsletters, FGLSAMP EXPOs and published articles.