Winthrop University is a comprehensive, primarily undergraduate institution with a vibrant and diverse student population. 36% of our undergraduates are either African American or Hispanic and 46% are Federal Pell grant recipients. Countless studies have suggested that students from low-income families and under-represented groups will generally yield lower academic success rates relative to their peers. To address this disparity, we launched two scholarship programs, the Eagle STEM Scholars program and a chemistry-specific NSF S-STEM scholarship program, between the 2011 and 2012 academic years. Both programs have been immensely successful. This report will outline program activities, provides longitudinal empirical data on student outcomes, and addresses sustainability lessons learned. The Eagle STEM scholars program was initiated in the fall of 2011. This program, a descendant program of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC, is a cohort-based STEM scholarship program designed to successfully matriculate graduates into STEM doctoral programs. The pillars of the program are: (1) Academic and social support; (2) Professional development; and (3) Post-graduate preparation. Recruiting is targeted towards individuals who demonstrate strong academic prowess, an affinity towards STEM disciplines, and classify as being either underrepresented in STEM, low-income, or first generation. Since launch, 174 total students have been admitted to the program, of which 51% have been from underrepresented groups. To date, 78 students have graduated, with 46 students completing their degrees in chemistry (59%). Of these 46 chemistry graduates, 33 matriculated into graduate programs (72%). Between 2012 and 2017, funding was provided by an NSF S-STEM grant to support the CHEM-STEM program, which recruited and funded 62 high achieving students with financial need. In the post-grant era from 2017-2020, funding was provided by the university. Scholars shared an ACS curriculum, monthly academic monitoring, and dedicated seminar courses. 69% were Pell Grant recipients; 47% were from URM groups. Overall, 92% completed programs in STEM or Allied Fields. The 79% retention rate to Chemistry degree was much higher than 45% goal and 31% historical rates. Among the 49 completing chemistry degrees; 43% matriculated into graduate programs; 33% into STEM Career/Teaching positions, and 18% into Professional STEM doctoral programs. Amongst PhD matriculates, 44% were from URM groups.

Implementation of Eagle STEM and NSF S-STEM programs at Winthrop over the past decade

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.