The Louis Stokes-South Carolina Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-SCAMP) has become a keystone for undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET) retention and a catalyst for degree completion within the state. Committed leadership from top- level administrators is paramount to the successful implementation of the goals proposed herein.The new LS-SCAMP Phase I will be lead by South Carolina State University (SCSU),nationally ranked for African American/Minority SMET degree completion and the largest producer of underrepresented minority SMET degrees in the state. Currently all of SCSU's SMET baccalaureate degree programs are ranked nationally as a result of African- American/Minority degree completion. Biology , Mathematics and Engineering Technology are ranked 4 th in the nation while Computer Science is ranked 13 th and Physics is ranked 21 st . LS-SCAMP includes all seven of the HBCUs in the state of South Carolina and represents a new beginning and a new era of support for the success of underrepresented minorities in SMET. To meet the strong demand for higher education and to combat the persistent barriers toaccess, the new LS-SCAMP will build on the foundation established during the prior SCAMP phases. Specifically the following Phase I goals will be achieved:
1. Increase underrepresented SMET baccalaureate degree production at a rate that is 40% higher than the national SMET degree rate. 2. Strengthen and expand undergraduate research opportunities for SMET students. 3. Provide opportunities for SMET students to develop knowledge and skills that will improve their qualifications and enhance their preparation for graduate studies in SMET fields. 4. Build a transfer bridge to increase by 100% SMET majors from 2-year institutions.
The outstanding track record for the production of minority graduates at many of the Alliance institutions, the unprecedented level of support for the AMP program in South Carolina and the new statewide infrastructure, will allow the goals of Phase I to be met.
