ASTER-LSAMP Grant

Introduction

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is a National Science Foundation program that assists colleges and universities in diversifying the workforce entering science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The LSAMP award established the Aligning STEM Trainees for Enterprising Research (ASTER) program in September 2024. ASTER-LSAMP is an alliance that spans the University of Kansas, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Southeast Community College in Lincoln. 




Through this alliance, students will be better prepared to transfer from 2-year institutions, matriculate into 4-year institutions, pursue graduate STEM degrees, and contribute to a diverse STEM workforce. The ASTER-LSAMP program will host monthly professional development sessions, offer peer and faculty mentor pairing, identify and pair students with summer research and internship experiences, and host an annual symposium, transfer camps and faculty mentorship workshops.

LSAMP Scholar Support

As a LSAMP Scholar, students will be paired with a faculty Mentor to conduct research in any of the STEM fields. The ASTER-LSAMP will support students with an annual stipend ($2,000 for students with < 60 credit hours, and $2,500 for students with >= 60 credit hours), supply funds for research, publication cost deferments, conference travel support, unpaid summer internship support, costs to take the GRE exam, and a summer research camp for transfer students.

Recruitment and Retention

Members of the ASTER-LSAMP have established recruitment and retention programs aimed at serving the needs of underrepresented groups in STEM, including Black and African-Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Not identifying as a member of one of these groups does not impact your eligibility for the program.

Interested in Applying? 

If you are interested in becoming an ASTER-LSAMP Scholar, feel free to explore the faculty mentors and their research by clicking the links below. Please apply via this application link. The application is closed for the 2024/2025 academic year, but you are welcome to submit your application for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year. 

Eligibility

ASTER-LSAMP participants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Enrolled, full-time, degree-seeking Pitt State undergraduate students;
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
• Pursuing a bachelor’s (B.S.) degree in a STEM field;
• Committed to academic success;
• Strong interest in participating in undergraduate research and enhancing learning through interactions with the LSAMP Alliance network.