College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

The Michigan-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) is a partnership among Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Washtenaw Community College and Mott Community College. The primary mission of the MI-LSAMP program is to significantly increase the number of minority students earning bachelor degrees in science, technology, engineering and math from the participating universities and prepare them for entry into graduate programs.  

This mission supports the National Science Foundation’s strategic goal to help create “a diverse, competitive and globally engaged U.S. workforce of scientists, engineers, technologists and well-prepared citizens." Each university has been and will continue to be committed to increasing the diversity and excellence of their student population.

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5314 USA
(269) 276-3253

MI-LSAMP at WMU

  • Do you identify as an underrepresented minority student pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM)?
  • Are you interested in connecting with other WMU students pursuing STEM majors?
  • Do you want to be part of a dynamic community of scholars at institutions across Michigan?
  • Are you interested in opportunities for scholarships, professional development and undergraduate research?

If you answered yes to these questions, you are invited to apply to become an LSAMP Scholar! 

Since 2005, MI-LSAMP has worked to increase the number of underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. LSAMP Scholars receive remarkable benefits, including:

  • Inclusion into a strong student community and well-regarded national program
  • Opportunities to learn from faculty, staff and graduate students in STEM
  • Specialized leadership and academic development programming
  • Dedicated access to scholarship and employment opportunities

The MI-LSAMP program at WMU has three primary components – a pre-first year summer bridge program, academic year programming and paid undergraduate research.  LSAMP Scholars are eligible to participate in one, two or all three.

  • The NxtGen STEM Summer Program is a virtual two-week program (starting July 29) for underrepresented minority first-year students interested in STEM. Approximately 20 WMU participants will get an opportunity to meet other incoming first-year students at WMU and at five other institutions in Michigan, while getting a jump start on their college experience. WMU students will receive a $500 scholarship for the Fall 2024 semester for their participation! This program will require students to commit to roughly five hours per day from July 29 to August 9. Sessions will occur Monday through Friday, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • This program will cover topics such as time management, goal setting, culturally responsive financial literacy, overcoming imposter syndrome and mental health awareness. Previous program participants have benefited from increased feelings of preparedness for college and sense of community.

LSAMP Scholars meet regularly throughout the academic year for both community building and professional development activities. Planned events for 2024-25 include a fall kickoff, a faculty/graduate student research panel, an escape room, interview and job search skills, dinner with the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and more! LSAMP Scholars who are active participants in both the NxtGen STEM Summer Program and the fall programming will receive an additional $500 scholarship for the Spring 2025 semester!

 

LSAMP Scholars can apply for summer undergraduate research opportunities at WMU as early as the end of their first-year on campus. MI-LSAMP supports six to 10 students per year to conduct paid research with WMU faculty and staff for at least 250 hours over the course of the summer. LSAMP Scholars participating in research activities are paid $15 per hour and can receive additional support to present the results of their research at local, regional or even national conferences!

MI-LSAMP at WMU Application

Applications for 2024-25 LSAMP Scholars are due by June 30, 2024 for consideration for the 2024 NxtGen STEM Summer Program. Applications for LSAMP Scholars interested in academic year programming and undergraduate research will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 15, 2025.
Apply to be an LSAMP Scholar today!
Find out more about the LSAMP program in Michigan and across the country
Michigan-LSAMP
Louis Stokes Midwest Regional Center of Excellence

Questions?

Anetra Grice
STEP Program Director and WMU LSAMP Program Manager
WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Office Phone (269) 276-3316
Email Anetra Grice

Matthew Cavalli, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Site Director, MI-LSAMP at WMU
Office Phone (269) 276-3249
Email Matthew Cavalli