The participating institutions have
forged an unprecedented bond based on their unconditional
commitment to the goals and vision set forth by this program.
The institutions’ commitment to this program is evidenced
by their cooperation during the planning phase, and the
quality and magnitude of the in-kind and monetary resources
they have committed to the proposed Houston LSAMP. The
Houston LSAMP coalition currently consists of six universities:
The University of Houston-Central (UH-C), The University
of Houston-Downtown (US-D), the University of Houston-Victoria
(UH-V), Texas Southern University (TSU), Texas
State University, and Rice University, and two
community college systems: Houston Community College System
(HCCS) and San Jacinto College District (SJCD). We welcome
and encourage other academic institutions to join the
Houston LSAMP coalition as they are able. The Houston
LSAMP also includes the Houston Independent School District
(HISD). Each member brings to the LSAMP a strong, individual
presence with unique attributes. The Houston LSAMP will
be highly successful because:
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The participating
institutions have clearly demonstrated commitment to
the program by their contribution to the planning process.
All members of the consortium
send at least one representative to monthly meetings.
HISD officials (particularly high school principals)
are enthusiastic about the opportunities the LSAMP will
afford their students and have made suggestions for
recruitment which have been incorporated into their
plans.
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The two lead
institutions have superb records of enrolling and graduating
large numbers of minority students in SMET fields.
Baseline SMET minority
graduation figures for the UH and TSU are 172 and 145,
respectively. The coalition will improve both UH’s and
TSU’s records as well as those of all the other participants.
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The
local demographics favor recruitment of large numbers
of African American and Hispanic American students.
Houston has the largest
African American population in the South, and is second
only to Los Angeles in its proportion of minority residents.
Hispanic Americans and African Americans each comprise nearly 27% of the total Houston population.
Texas State University is situated where 61%
of the population is Hispanic, and it also recruits
heavily from the Houston area.
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Many superb
minority academic enrichment programs exist which can
be integrated, enhanced and expanded to meet the goals.
Examples include the
UH’s Scholar Enrichment Program and Program for Mastery
in Engineering Studies.
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The concentration
of industrial and research organizations in the area
represents remarkable potential for placement into well-paying
jobs and into graduate programs in SMET fields.
The NSF and industrial
firms currently support centers in Materials Science,
Computer Science, Geoscience, Computational Science, Nanotechnology,
and more in AMP Institutions, which will provide research
opportunities for Houston LSAMP Scholars.
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Plans have
been formulated to leverage NSF funds to the highest
degree possible.
In addition to the matching
and in-kind contributions provided by the participating
universities and colleges, we are working with the corporate
sector to raise additional funds for student support.
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