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The Need

STEM AP at the UMass Amherst (UMA) builds upon decades of STEM education research that identifies mentoring and early research experiences as keys to STEM retention. In an ideal world every undergraduate majoring in STEM would, in addition to their formal course load, engage in research, have a network of formal and informal mentors and advisors, volunteer for a variety of STEM outreach activities, and participate in a rich offering of STEM-related social events. Unfortunately, most STEM students cannot access this ideal scenario. Nationally, and specifically for UMA, fewer than half of the students who enter into STEM undergraduate studies as first-year students will graduate with a STEM degree (Hayes et al., 2009).

Recent NSF data show the difference between various populations in science and engineering (S&E) education and employment, and their representation in the U.S. population (NSF, 2017)

Noninstitutionalized resident population of the United States ages 18–64, by race, ethnicity, and sex: 2014

Pie Chart showing White men and women at 31% each of the chart and marginalized people with between 9-1% of the chart

Scientists and engineers working in science and engineering occupations: 2015

Pie chart showing 49% white men, 18% white women, 14% asian men and between 7-1% marginalized groups

 

 

Our Mission

Through reflective and inclusive practices, STEM AP strives to create a diverse community of current and future scientists who value the unique perspectives of all its members.  Students are supported through their connection, collaboration and learning experiences in a counterspace that embraces the differing identities of each scholar.  We aim to increase STEM diversity and retention for populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM, and to change the dominant deficit narrative about students who so identify.

Testimonials

Avery Sage

(Biology/English/Psychology, Fourth-year UMA STEM AP student)
“The STEM[AP} program, the STEM[AP] staff are phenomenal…They’re there for the students…I cannot emphasize more how much of a support system they’ve been for me, as a STEM student, first generation, minority. They help me navigate the world. They help me figure out who I am and my place here. I feel accepted here.”

Shelby Phillips

(Biology, Third-year UMA STEM AP student)
“Because of STEM AP, I’ve been doing research in a lab...STEM AP definitely helped me because I honestly would have left bio[logy] if it wasn’t for STEM[AP]...I have a lot of confidence now especially because of the lab experience it [STEM AP] gave me.”

Josh Reed

(Computer Science, Second-year UMA STEM AP student)
“I’m not alone in my worries and I’ve had many of them resolved by both my fellow STEM AP friends and staff. As a computer science major, I feel a lot more comfortable about my opportunities…I feel a lot more confident in both my capabilities and my future in a STEM major.”