The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program is one of NSF’s flagship initiatives for broadening participation in STEM fields. Rather than supporting individual students, LSAMP funds institutional and regional alliances—collaborative networks of universities, community colleges, and sometimes K–12 or industry partners—working together to significantly increase the number of underrepresented minority students who complete STEM bachelor’s degrees. LSAMP focuses on transforming the STEM pathway through evidence-based interventions, cultural and structural change, and coordinated support systems that promote retention, academic success, and long-term STEM career entry. 

LSAMP alliances typically implement activities such as undergraduate research experiences, STEM bridge and preparatory programs, intensive academic support, peer and faculty mentoring models, experiential learning, professional-skills training, community building, and initiatives designed to reduce equity gaps across gateway courses. Many alliances also partner with local industries and national laboratories to connect students with internships and early research opportunities. LSAMP’s emphasis on systemic institutional transformation makes it distinct from more narrowly focused student-support programs. 

Eligibility is broad and includes accredited colleges and universities, community colleges, Tribal colleges, and nonprofit research organizations. Institutions apply as part of an alliance, with clearly defined roles, shared objectives, and collective evaluation strategies. Competitive proposals demonstrate rigorous data-driven planning, strong evidence of institutional commitment, culturally responsive programming, and clear metrics for scaling successful practices. Alliances must also include detailed plans for longitudinal tracking, evaluation, dissemination, and sustainability beyond NSF funding. 

ScienceDocs Can Help 

ScienceDocs assists LSAMP alliances with proposal strategy, logic-model design, institutional-change narratives, evaluation planning, and multi-partner proposal coordination. 
Begin at https://www.sciencedocs.com/quotes.