Greater Philadelphia Region Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation - Phase III

Drexel University, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

Drexel University, as a representative of the Greater Philadelphia Region Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (Philadelphia AMP), seeks continued funding as an AMP Phase III project, to intensify its on-going efforts to substantially increase the quantity and quality of African American, Hispanic and Native American students receiving baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and subsequently, entering graduate school to attain doctoral degrees. Philadelphia AMP represents a diverse alliance of public and private, 2- and 4-year, research and non-research, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and majority institutions. A salient feature of this proposal is the fundamental manner in which the proposed AMP Phase III project rests on a solid foundation of partnerships, resources, effective practices and experience derived from eight years of collaboration, cooperation and concerted efforts focused on minority student achievement under the current Philadelphia AMP Phase II project. Over the past eight years of Philadelphia AMP.s existence, the Alliance has contributed over $7.9 million in matching funds to the project through the use of college/university, foundation, state government, and corporate funds. As a result of Philadelphia AMP.s efforts, a mechanism has been developed to catalyze changes in institutional, departmental, and organizational culture and the practices that will result in significant increases in recruitment, retention, STEM degree production, and graduate school entry for all students. In support of this AMP Phase III project, 170 tenured STEM faculty, academic department heads, and senior administrative personnel from the 9 member institutions will actively participate in recruiting, advising and mentoring AMP students. In this proposal "minority" refers to African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans.