SERVING AND PROMOTING STEM TALENT

To help open career paths for nontraditional students, Portland State University is now offering its Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program for undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors on the MHCC campus.

 The program is funded by the National Science Foundation with the goal to serve and promote the success of traditionally underrepresented students – i.e., African American/Black, Latino/a, Native American, Alaska Native, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students – in the STEM field.

Ayumi Giampietro, the community college liaison for the program here at Mt. Hood, says the program isn’t exclusive to MHCC students or transfer students. The goal here on campus is to create a network between PSU, Portland Community College and Clackamas Community College for STEM students to receive assistance with all aspects of their college experience.

For people majoring in STEM programs, balancing academics with other aspects of life is a difficult task, especially if you come from a challenging background. It’s already hard enough to handle things such as financial aid, so program is designed to help students in all steps, in addition to academics. 

Giampietro talked about the importance of building a community for students, with the common goal of STEM field academic success, mentorships, study groups, and peer relationships that are diverse and sensitive to student needs. This network engages the different community colleges that offer the LSAMP program in order to create group dynamics in a diverse setting. For example, a group study session can be the difference between passing or failing a test for the students involved – communication is key, she said.

 PSU has its own LSAMP building where member students can access their resources, study, or take a break. On top of academic success, the program specializes in outside development for the students, including internships, research, seminars, and industry tours.

These are all important aids for students who come to a college setting and feel lost. Giampietro described her own experiences as an international student who felt the same way coming to college (something I and many other new students can relate to). With the diversity of the student body, it’s great that both PSU and MHCC are recognizing how important resources like LSAMP are for students who feel disconnected.

Students who are fit for the program are usually referred and introduced to liaisons like Giampietro, so it’s exciting for students who are inherently reluctant to find help from peers to become aware of extra opportunities, especially those planning to transfer to PSU. 

Giampietro is in the Diversity Resource Center, inside the Student Union, on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more information on the LSAMP program, see: pdx.edu/lsamp.