The Louis Stokes Alliance | BCTC

The Louis Stokes Alliance

Banner showing colleges that are part of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is a National Science Foundation initiative named after the late Ohio Congressman Louis Stokes, who was responsible for numerous minority focused programs the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The aim of LSAMP is to increase the quality and quantity of students successfully completing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs, and increase the number of students interested in, academically qualified to matriculate into programs of graduate study.

The Kentucky - West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KY-WV LSAMP) is a consortium of colleges and universities working together to create, enhance, and expand programs designed to broaden participation and increase the quality and quantity of students from underrepresented populations who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Program goals and activities focus on undergraduate research experiences, graduate school preparation, and international experiences. LSAMP is a federally funded program through the National Science Foundation. KY-WV LSAMP is one of 50 alliances in the nation.

About LSAMP

louis stokes

Who is Louis Stokes?

Louis Stokes was an Ohio Congressman for 30 years.

He was the first African American member of congress from the state of Ohio. The thrust of his career focused on advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged, especially those in urban America. He sponsored legislation to help people of color enter the intelligence community, fought for adequate housing for the poor, and oversaw the passage of the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1989. Other legislative efforts included the sponsorship of programs for minority professionals in health and science and engineering at the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, respectively. He served under six presidents during his 30 years in Congress. 

History

  • The Kentucky-West Virginia LSAMP was created in 2006.  
  • Currently, there are 10 partner campuses including two community colleges and two HBCU's. 
  • The current grant (NSF HRD #1826763) began in 2018. 
  • In 2020, KY-WV LSAMP received funding for the first alliance BD initiative. The University of Kentucky is the host institution.

Services Provided

  • Transitional experience
    • Making the move from high school to college can be challenging, but LSAMP programs offer social and educational support to make the college experience more fulfilling.
  • Research experience
    • Enjoy the hands-on research activities that make a college experience more enriching.
    • Explore research to find your passion and develop the skills needed to be a leader in your field.
  • Postgraduate career aspirations
    • LSAMP prepares you for your next step whether it be the pursuit of graduate studies and/or employment in industry or government.
  • Mentoring
    • LSAMP believes in the importance of mentoring with STEM faculty and professionals, both in the classroom and in life and career.
    • Participants will also become mentors to peers and K-12 students.

Benefits for Bluegrass Students

  • Receive a stipend
  • Access to conference and travel funding
  • KY-WV Annual Research Symposium attendance
  • Personal coaching from program staff and mentors
  • Access to personal and professional development works
  • Networking opportunities with STEM faculty at BCTC and UK

Sign Up

Please complete the online application to apply to the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP).

 Contact

Dr. Carlous B. Yates

Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Title IX Coordinator

KY-LSAMP Campus Director

859.246.6937

carlous.yates@kctcs.edu