Abstract:

In spite of progress made by colleges and universities in graduating underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the numbers and percentages of underrepresented students in these fields continue to decline. Challenges to affirmative action are impacting the enrollment of minority STEM majors, and the attrition rates of underrepresented students in undergraduate education are still higher than other groups. In light of recent challenges, colleges and universities who have administered programs to increase the numbers of underrepresented minority students in STEM are faced with the decision of whether or not to continue this practice.

In 1991, the National Science Foundation (NSF) established the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation as a major initiative with the goal of increasing students’ opportunities to attain undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through student award support, mentoring, research participation and presentation, as well as faculty innovations in curricular revision and teaching. The project activities form a feasible, logical and comprehensive effort focused upon improving the undergraduate educational experience, and preparation for and entrance into graduate school and the professoriate.

Funded for Phase I of implementation in 1992, the North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (NCLSAMP), selected North Carolina A&T State University to serve as the lead institution. The NCLSAMP is comprised of eight UNC-system institutions—Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro), North Carolina Central University (Durham), North Carolina State University (Raleigh), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Winston-Salem State University. Now in Phase IV of funding, program specific activities include peer mentoring, faculty mentored undergraduate research experience, monthly meetings, summer bridge activities, participation in conferences, seminars and workshops, and assistance with preparing, and obtaining funding for graduate school.

This paper will provide a better understanding of the philosophy and practice, along with supporting evidence, of an innovative project designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of underrepresented minority students in STEM fields, the North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation through collaborative partnerships with other funding agencies, national laboratories, and industry.

Keywords:

innovation, technology, research projects.