Bridging the racial gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the so-called STEM fields, has become a priority for two organizations: the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and the Model Institutions for Excellence. 

The National Science Foundation founded LSAMP in 1991 to support and increase the number of minority students pursuing advanced degrees in the STEM disciplines. NSF funds the program in five-year phases ranging from $300,000 to $1 million. Participant universities are awarded funds based on their proposals to increase minority participation in STEM degrees. 

In 1991, LSAMP supported fewer than 4,000 students and gave grants to six institutional alliances. By 2006, there were 35 alliances involving more than 450 institutions and thousands of minority students. The alliances are divided into various sections, including citywide (New York City), statewide (North Carolina) and multi-state (Florida-Georgia). Students who receive stipends engage in LSAMP-sponsored activities to support their academic enrichment and research skills. 

Based on data from the NSF, in 1991 minority enrollment in STEM fields reached 35,670 students. By 2003, there were more than 205,000 students enrolled in STEM fields, a 470 percent increase. In 2004-2005, roughly 24,642 LSAMP students earned degrees.

LSAMP STEM Bachelor Degrees by Race/Ethnicity: 2004-2005
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