According to the National Science Foundation, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce has been gradually diversifying over the past decade, with increased representation of women and underrepresented groups like African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders.
Diversification often begins with education, which is why NSF funds the SUNY Buffalo State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), a program that provides student enrichment through undergraduate research and support services. SUNY LSAMP consists of 14 campuses across New York State and strives to increase the number of students matriculating into and successfully completing high-quality STEM degree programs, such as those offered by Buffalo State University.
LSAMP scholars have regular meetings with their mentors, attend career-planning workshops, and conduct research throughout the spring semester. Scholars are also required to present at Buffalo State’s annual Student Research and Creativity Conference and encouraged to send proposals to national conferences. Last July, three LSAMP scholars from Buffalo State presented at the 2024 Diversity in STEM Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.