LSAMP STEM Scholars

Supporting STEM Success at UNA

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is a national organization focused on transforming STEM education through innovative recruitment and retention strategies. The program serves students from historically underserved and under-resourced backgrounds, particularly students from disadvantaged socioeconomic statuses, rural areas, and first-generation college students.

At the University of North Alabama, LSAMP supports STEM-focused students during the early stages of their academic careers by providing financial support, academic support, mentoring, tutoring, STEM events, and community-building opportunities.

LSAMP is an alliance-based program, meaning a group of higher education institutions works together to diversify the nation’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce by increasing the number of STEM baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded to students from LSAMP populations. Funding for the LSAMP alliance is provided by the National Science Foundation.

Tennessee Valley Tri-State LSAMP Alliance

UNA is part of the Tennessee Valley Tri-State LSAMP Alliance, a collaborative partnership designed to expand STEM access, support, and success across participating institutions.

Participating institutions include:

  • The University of North Alabama (UNA)
  • The University of Tennessee Martin (UTM)
  • The Mississippi University for Women (MUW)
  • NorthWest Shoals Community College (NWSCC)

History of LSAMP

The “LS” in LSAMP stands for Louis Stokes, the first African American Congressman for the state of Ohio. The “AMP” stands for Alliance for Minority Participation.

In 1991, the United States Congress authorized and established the Alliance for Minority Participation, an initiative designed to substantially increase the quality and quantity of students from historically underrepresented groups who successfully complete baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, pursue higher-level STEM degrees, and/or achieve employment in STEM fields.

In 1999, the initiative was renamed the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in honor of former Congressman Louis Stokes, who championed efforts to improve education for underrepresented STEM professionals.

LSAMP Scholar Events

UNA note: The current LSAMP Scholar Events page includes specific dated events from March. Confirm whether the consolidated page should include current events, a general events overview, or an embedded calendar module.

LSAMP Scholar Events help students connect with STEM professionals, build community, and meet stipend requirements through academic, professional, and social engagement.

Events may include:

  • STEM Speaker Events
  • University Success Center Events
  • LSAMP social events
  • Career development workshops
  • Academic support workshops
  • Employer visits
  • Community-building opportunities

To meet stipend qualifications, LSAMP Scholars must attend two events in each of the following categories:

  • University Success Center Events
  • STEM Speaker Events
  • LSAMP social events

Students should have their event form signed by an event organizer or LSAMP Project Coordinator for credit.

LSAMP Stipends

LSAMP Scholars can receive stipends for completing program requirements. Stipend opportunities are tied to participation, academic progress, and engagement with LSAMP events and support resources.

Stipend requirements and amounts include:

Pass required classes
$100

Attend two STEM Speaker Events
$50 each

Attend two Social Events
$50 each

Attend two University Success Center Events
$100 each

Participate in Summer Bridge, incoming cohort only
$1,000

Students should complete required participation documentation and confirm requirements with the LSAMP Program Coordinator.

LSAMP Summer Bridge Program

UNA note: The current page references the 2024 LSAMP Summer Bridge and says to stay tuned for 2025 details. Confirm updated Summer Bridge dates, activities, and application information before publishing.

The LSAMP Summer Bridge Program helps incoming students begin building confidence, community, and academic momentum before the start of the fall semester.

Summer Bridge is designed to help students connect with a supportive peer group, engage in academic enrichment, and prepare for success in STEM coursework. The program includes activities such as academic sessions, peer connection opportunities, tutoring introductions, and STEM-focused engagement.

Tutoring

When a student becomes an LSAMP Scholar, they are matched with an LSAMP tutor. Scholars are required to meet with their tutor at least twice per semester as part of the requirements to receive their stipend.

LSAMP tutoring connects students with peers who can support their academic progress, especially in mathematics, science, and related STEM coursework. Tutors help students build confidence, strengthen understanding of course material, and stay connected to a supportive academic community.

Tutoring support may include:

  • Algebra and calculus support
  • Chemistry and biology support
  • Mathematics tutoring
  • Peer-to-peer academic guidance
  • Connections to the STEM Learning Center

LSAMP Forms and Recruitment Materials

These materials are meant to help students and program partners complete required documentation, confirm participation, and learn more about the LSAMP experience.

Available materials:

UNA note: Confirm which forms should be included directly on this consolidated page and whether any PDF/form links should remain as buttons or downloadable resources.

  • Participant Supplemental Invoice Form
  • Non-Participant Supplemental Invoice Form
  • Scope of Work
  • Recruitment materials
  • Event forms
  • Program information

Eligible Majors

LSAMP can only accept majors that are recognized as STEM disciplines by the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. Eligible STEM major areas include:

  • Computer and Information Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Engineering-Related Technologies
  • Biology and Biomedical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Physical Sciences

Examples of eligible majors

UNA note: The source page includes a long, detailed list of eligible majors under each category. Confirm whether the new page should include the full list in accordion format or keep the consolidated category overview here

and disciplines include computer science, computer programming, engineering, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, biological and physical sciences, computational science, marine sciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and meteorology, geology and earth sciences, and materials sciences.

Contact Information

Tri-State LSAMP Alliance
256-765-4363

Nikole Evans
LSAMP Program Coordinator
jevans14@una.edu

Ready to Take the Next Step?