About LSAMP

What is LSAMP?

Mountain to Sea NC LSAMP is an integral part of an alliance of five UNC System universities from the costal to mountain regions, including UNC Wilmington, Eastern Carolina U., UNC Greensboro, Western Carolina U., and Appalachian State U. Together the universities will serve more than 100 STEM-interested students annual directly and thousands more indirectly to begin their journey through education and research in STEM majors. 

LSAMP, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, is a program created by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to assist universities and colleges in increasing the number of STEM baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded to African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Native Pacific Islander students. In doing so, LSAMP aims to diversify the nation’s STEM workforce by increasing participation of groups which have been historically underrepresented in these disciplines.

What is STEM?

STEM is stands for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. Within LSAMP, the disciplines which fall under this category are: Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Geological Science, Life & Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as any interdisciplinary programs which encompass two or more of these fields.

Fellowship benefits

  • Fellows are guaranteed placement with a research mentor on their campus
  • Fellows receive a financial award for the duration of the fellowship ($3,000) annually plus up to $4000 to support summer research
  • Fellows will receive continuous guidance, advising and training in STEM-specific professional development through monthly meetings with Faculty Coordinators
  • Fellows have the opportunity to create, shape and foster a community for undergraduate researchers among the alliance institutions, and can serve as peer mentors to other students
  • Fellows will be provided a travel budget to present their work in regional and national conferences 

Requirements

  • Students must be enrolled in one of the 5 UNC System Universities that are members of Mountain to Sea NC LSAMP
  • Students will participate in first year experiences at their home institution that may include coursework and programming

Eligibility

  • Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Students enrolled in 4-year programs must currently be in or have just completed their first year of college at the time of application