The UI Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (UI-LSAMP) is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and named after former U.S. Representative Louis Stokes who served as a leading figure in United States Congress in matters concerning civil rights, equality, and social and economic justice.

UI-LSAMP is part of the Iowa Illinois Nebraska STEM Partnership for Innovation in Research and Education (IINSPIRE) which is an alliance among 16 two-year and four-year colleges and universities working together to attract the states’ growing historically underrepresented populations into STEM fields.

The mission of the UI-LSAMP IINSPIRE Alliance is to diversify the nation's STEM workforce,  broaden undergraduate participation in research, and create a sense of community and support for students with a declared major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and pre-health professions.

In addition to carrying out paid undergraduate research, UI-LSAMP Interns are invited to enroll in an ISA – Student Development Seminars (1 s.h.) depending on the student’s point of entry into the program. Course should be determined with assistance from program staff.