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. UI-LSAMP especially encourages students to apply who may have faced barriers or challenges in their path towards their higher education and career goals, are dedicated to fostering diversity in the sciences, and are eager to contribute to a supportive and inclusive community of peers.

Applications from students who transfer from two-year and four-year colleges and universities will be prioritized for acceptance.

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.