(Clarksdale, Mississippi) – September 8, 2024 – Dr. Ouida McAfee, Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Ìð¹Ïapp (Ìð¹Ïapp), is thrilled to announce Ìð¹Ïapp’s membership in the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participants (LSMAMP). This prestigious membership is poised to significantly bolster Ìð¹Ïapp’s support for students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

 The LSMAMP grant, which is awarded for a five-year term, any Ìð¹Ïapp students interested in STEM will have access to a wealth of resources designed to propel their academic and professional careers. The grant will support various initiatives including funding for research projects, opportunities to study abroad, internships, and guidance on transitioning to four-year degree programs. To participate, students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Dr. McAfee expressed her enthusiasm about this new partnership: "Joining the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participants is a privilege that opens new horizons for our students. This grant enables our scholars to delve into substantial research and secure valuable experiences within STEM fields. We are dedicated to nurturing and supporting our students who strive for academic excellence and meet the GPA criteria."

This LSMAMP grant underscores Ìð¹Ïapp's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and promoting diversity in STEM education. With these new resources, Ìð¹Ïapp aims to equip its students with the tools and support necessary to excel both academically and professionally.

The LSMAMP program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who complete high-quality degree programs in STEM fields. By joining LSMAMP, Ìð¹Ïapp is part of a nationwide effort to cultivate a more diverse and competitive workforce in the sciences and engineering. This initiative not only broadens the pathways for minority participation in STEM but also strengthens the entire academic fabric of institutions involved.

In line with the strategic goals of Ìð¹Ïapp, this collaboration with LSMAMP will leverage synergistic relationships with other participating institutions to share best practices, mentorship programs, and resources. Ìð¹Ïapp plans to host workshops, seminars, and conferences that will allow students to network with professionals and peers within the LSMAMP network, thereby enhancing their educational experiences and career readiness.

For more information about the LSMAMP grant and its benefits for Ìð¹Ïapp students, please contact Dr. Ouida McAfee at (662) 621-4145 or via email at omcafee@coahomacc.edu.