Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, administered by the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for STEM Education, seeks to diversify the nation's STEM workforce by increasing the number of STEM baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded to underrepresented groups. These groups include Blacks and African-Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Established in 1991, the program supports alliances among higher education institutions to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for student recruitment, retention, and success in STEM fields. The LSAMP program offers various project types including Alliance Development Grants (ADG), Bridge-to-the-Baccalaureate (B2B), STEM Pathways Implementation-Only (SPIO), STEM Pathways Research Alliances (SPRA), Bridges to STEM Graduate Degrees (BD-Master’s and BD-Doctoral), and STEM Networking Incentives and Engagement (NETWORKS). Each type supports different stages and strategies of student development, from community college transfer to graduate education and participation in STEM networks. Funding amounts, durations, and specific eligibility requirements vary by project type, with total anticipated funding reaching $38 million and 45 to 60 awards expected. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (both two- and four-year), nonprofit non-academic organizations, and U.S.-based for-profit organizations with scientific research or educational capabilities. Specific eligibility and PI requirements apply to each project type, and limitations exist on the number of proposals per organization or PI. For example, only one proposal per PI is allowed for ADG, B2B, SPIO, and SPRA, and up to two proposals for BD-Master’s or BD-Doctoral. Proposals must follow NSF’s standard guidelines and be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Required documents include a comprehensive project description, budget justifications, data management plans, letters of collaboration, and specific evaluation and dissemination plans. Proposals must explicitly address significant increases in STEM degree production among LSAMP populations and demonstrate institutional commitment through governance structures and sustainability plans. The application process includes multiple deadlines: June 24, 2024 for BD-Master’s and NETWORKS proposals, and November 15, 2024 for all other types. Projects are assessed based on NSF’s merit review criteria, with additional considerations for institutionalization and sustainability in longer-term alliances. Contacts for the LSAMP program include a general email and phone line provided on the NSF website. The LSAMP initiative underscores the NSF’s strategic priority to cultivate a diverse, well-prepared STEM workforce through strategic partnerships, rigorous research, and innovative educational practices.