2018;577-592. doi: 10.21300/19.3.2018.577.

LA-STEM RESEARCH SCHOLARS PROGRAM: A MODEL FOR BROADENING DIVERSITY IN STEM EDUCATION.

I M Warner, M B Crawford, Z S Wilson-Kennedy, G A Thomas, S D Gilman

UIID-AD: 4671 DOI: 10.21300/19.3.2018.577

Abstract

In the U.S., less than half of the students who enter into a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate curriculum as freshmen will graduate with a STEM degree. An increased need exists for innovative initiatives that promote undergraduate retention and achievement within STEM. The Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (LA-STEM) Research Scholars Program at Louisiana State University, within the Office of Strategic Initiatives, is an excellent model for increasing persistence and achievement within the STEM disciplines. For more than a decade, LA-STEM has holistically provided quality mentoring, effective learning strategies, unique undergraduate research opportunities, leadership and professional development, and intensive graduate school preparation to a diverse population of STEM undergraduates. Program success has included an 89% overall graduation rate in STEM, considerable national award and fellowship recognition, high matriculation of students into post-graduate programs, as well as a notable reduction in the achievement gap between underrepresented and female participants in comparison to majority males.

Publication Types

• Journal Article