NSF Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Grant

LHVCCUC Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the Lower Hudson Valley Catholic Colleges and Universities Consortium Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program (LHVCCUC LSAMP Program) aims to help address the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce pipeline challenges by increasing the number of students from historically underrepresented minority (URM) populations who complete STEM degrees. The program offers participants research opportunities, mentoring, tutoring, workshops, seminars, book stipends, and internships, among other initiatives.

The LHVCCUC LSAMP Program is an extension of the LHVCCUC, a group of  ten private Catholic colleges and universities across New York State. Seven institutions are involved in the project: Molloy University, Manhattan College, Mount Saint Mary College, St. Francis College, St. John’s University, St. Joseph’s University New York, and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

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Program Goals

The LHVCCUC LSAMP Program outlines four main goals:

  1. Increase the enrollment of underrepresented minorities in STEM majors
  2. Improve first-to-second year retention
  3. Cultivate strong STEM/scientist identities through STEM enrichment activities
  4. Support successful entry into graduate study and STEM careers

Program Benefits

In addition to the hands-on support all St. Thomas Aquinas College students already receive, program participants will also benefit from the following:

Academic Support

  • Scientist Success Roadmap – aligning LSAMP activities with participants course schedules and postsecondary plans
  • Individual and Group Tutoring
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Monthly Academic-Year Workshops and Seminars
  • Learning and Study Strategy Inventory (LASSI)

Financial Support

  • Stipends for Books and Materials
  • Support in connecting students with scholarship and financial aid opportunities and enhancing financial literacy

Research & Professional Development

  • Faculty-led Research Experiences
  • Conference and Symposium Presentations

Career & Graduate School Preparation

  • Internship Support
  • Graduate School Application Support
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE®) Preparation
  • Resume and Curriculum Vitae (CV) Support

Eligibility and Application

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Member of a historically underrepresented group in STEM
  • Good academic standing
  • Pursuing a baccalaureate degree at St. Thomas Aquinas College in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, data science, exercise science, forensic science, mathematics, medical technology, or physics. Learn more about our programs by visiting the School of STEM page
  • A desire to enroll in graduate school and/or pursue a career in a STEM field

If you are interested in applying for this unique opportunity, please complete the application form by April 1, 2025.

Apply Now

Have Questions? Contact:

NSF LSAMP Co-PI
Bianca Wentzell, Ph.D.
Dean, School of STEM and Associate Professor of Biology
bwentzel@stac.edu
845-398-4196

NSF LSAMP Campus Coordinator

Ellen Loftus
STEM Office Coordinator
eloftus@stac.edu
845-398-4200

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