An NSF-LSAMP Model for the Successful Transition of Underrepresented Students into STEM Majors and Beyond

The underrepresentation of students in STEM disciplines has been a consistent issue for traditionally marginalized students in higher education. Institutions have fostered innovative programs and implemented policies to mitigate the challenges that historically underrepresented students consistently encounter persisting in STEM. Since 1996, the SUNY LSAMP Alliance, which consists of 14 universities, colleges and community colleges, has been an active program committed to assist students in closing the gaps. As an Alliance, the program has provided comprehensive social and academic support for overcoming obstacles that historically underrepresented STEM students face. Measures comprise the execution of interventions for the difficult transitions for students and include social and academic integration strategies for the two-year to four-year transition; socialization into science through experiential learning, including domestic and international research programs and experiences; and improving STEM pedagogy and curriculum to advance systematic change for historically underrepresented students. In addition to the development of interventions, a longitudinal research study explores the mechanisms that are bridges or barriers for historically underrepresented STEM students and how these pathways translate to their STEM identity. The SUNY LSAMP Alliance has positioned itself to be a leader in STEM advocacy and advancement of historically underrepresented scholars. The Alliance has seen an exponential increase in enrollment of underrepresented students with a 1013% increase since its inception. Graduation rates have also exhibited a significant increase. From the first year of the program in 1996, to its current year in 2020, there has been a yearly increase of 710% for bachelor's degrees, 1530% for masters degrees and 1500% for doctoral degrees.