The Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) was launched in November 2005 with a grant from the National Science Foundation. The MI-LSAMP partners the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Western Michigan in an effort to significantly increase the number of underrepresented minority students earning baccalaureate degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and prepare them for entry into graduate programs. These partners are "flagship" institutions in the State of Michigan and represent the diversity of public doctoral research extensive institutions in the nation.

To accomplish its goal, the MI-LSAMP uses the following approaches:

Pre-First Year Programs: For more than 20 years the UM College of Engineering has sponsored acclimation programs for incoming first year students. These programs prepare students for the rigors of college life and participants have achieved significantly higher grade point averages than their counterparts. The MI-LSAMP has expanded this opportunity to allow students to also participate in science, technology and mathematics programs. The MI-LSAMP also sponsors an All Students Day Program for participants from all four campuses to meet, network and receive additional preparation for their first year of college.

Michigan Undergraduate Research Consortium (MURC): Participation in research is a proven way to enhance the educational experience and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The MURC was established to provide significant numbers of first and second year students with authentic research experiences, integrate research activities and findings into core STEM curricula, and enhance the research capacity, infrastructure, and culture of affiliate institutions that have traditionally focused on undergraduate education.

Internships and Cooperative Education: Internships and Cooperative Education experiences help students close the relevance gap by assisting them in understanding the significance and importance of their classes to their chosen careers. Students are encouraged to register with the offices of career services, internship and cooperative education in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that are available.

Michigan Transfer Admissions Project: The UM is a member of the Atlanta University Center Dual Degree in Engineering Program (DDEP). This program, offers undergraduate students at Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in science or mathematics and a baccalaureate degree in engineering from the UM after about 5 years of study. The DDEP is one example of the opportunities available for students who transfer to any of the MI-LSAMP universities.

Once admitted to the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University or Western Michigan University, contact the MI-LSAMP Program Manager for information on becoming a MI-LSAMP Scholar.