Five years ago 内布拉斯加州卫斯理大学 was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to help increase its efforts in recruiting and matriculating minority students in the science, 技术, 工程和数学领域.
The program — called the Louis Stokes Alliance in Minority Participation (LSAMP) — is helping 15 Nebraska Wesleyan students who are exploring careers in the health field.
“The main goal of the LSAMP program is to increase the number of under-represented minority students graduating in STEM from our Midwest region alliance,坎迪斯·豪厄尔说, director of student success and retention. “We are committed to assisting underrepresented minorities in the building of their sense of identity within STEM, 并提供学术支持.”
The program also provides opportunities for increased faculty-student engagement, 同伴指导, 实习和研究机会, 豪厄尔说.
萨凡纳洛佩兹, 尼克森大学的一年级学生, received an application to the LSAMP program last summer. She participated in a summer transitions program that provided her the opportunity to meet STEM faculty and students, explore 实习和研究机会, and participate in field trips and workshops.
“Through the transition program, I knew NWU would be a great home for me,” said Lopez. “Having the opportunity to meet other people of color through this program has been amazing.”
Students in the LSAMP program meet monthly for workshops on study skills, 时间管理, 演讲技巧, 科学写作. Students also explore the intersection of race, 性别, 和STEM课程, as well as define and sharpen their roles as social justice agents of change, 豪厄尔说.
“LSAMP students are also highly encouraged to conduct undergraduate summer research after the conclusion of their first academic year,豪厄尔补充道. “Involvement in summer research promotes ongoing faculty and staff interactions, further engagement and overall student success.”
This fall LSAMP students had the opportunity to attend IINSPIRE Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The event — hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science — brought together both students and professionals for a weekend of lectures and learning.
“I learned that finding a mentor is something everyone should do at any point in their life. Mentorship can be extremely beneficial, especially if they know a lot about your career goals and how to get there,亚历克莎·朗格利亚说, 来自吉林护理专业的大二学生.
In addition to sessions on writing resumes and preparing for graduate school, Longoria especially appreciated the research presentations on psychology and clinical health as she looks ahead to a career as a nurse practitioner in mental health care.
Lopez enjoyed the opportunity to meet STEM field professionals she may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
“I networked with representatives from graduate schools,” she said. “I met representatives from NASA and NOVA at the convention, which was important to me because they showed that they truly care about students looking to make that next step in their lives.”
这些联系只是开始.
“Thanks to the program, we have the opportunity to research with scientists,” said Longora. “The leaders are amazing and truly care about our futures. And I’ve developed friendships that I don’t think I would have if I hadn’t joined LSAMP.
###
Story by Alessandro Schirano, Public Relations Intern