Much work remains to be done to increase the rates of undergraduate and graduate degrees conferred to underrepresented minority (URM) students in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Community colleges and small regional universities have experienced greater proportional rates of growth than other higher education institutions; therefore, these institutions have a great need for, and are deserving of, increased resources to address inequities and challenges in higher education outcomes. PUMA-STEM is a Pre-Alliance group based in Illinois, funded through the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP), and composed of three small (&lt;5000 undergraduates) regional colleges/universities, two local high school districts, and one college working in the field of continuing education and professional training (e.g., certification in microscopy and other technical fields). This presentation will involve discussion of our progress to date in research and planning, as well as efforts to develop corporate partnerships to increase program sustainability and opportunities for URM students. Summarized data will be provided from demographic analyses of our student populations and from completed workshops on (i) college readiness, (ii) recruitment and retention, (iii) dual-credit programs, (iv) student mentorship, and (v) career/graduate services. Challenges, benefits, and opportunities related to multi-institutional collaborative activities will be discussed in an effort to assist other organizations building similar partnerships to serve URM students in STEM.<br/><br/>Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Promotion of Underrepresented Minorities in Academic STEM (PUMA-STEM): Alliance building with high schools, colleges, and industry partners

256th National Meeting (2018)

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