JCTC Providing Opportunities for Underrepresented Students | JCTC

JCTC Providing Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

April 18, 2023

What is the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation?

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative named after the late Ohio Congressman Louis Stokes, who was responsible for numerous minority focused programs in the NSF and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The aim of LSAMP is to increase the quality and quantity of students successfully completing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs, and increase the number of students interested in, academically qualified to matriculate into programs of graduate study

LSAMP at JCTC

Jefferson Community and Technical College is one of over 200 colleges and universities that participate in the LSAMP program. The LSAMP program at JCTC provides a variety of services and support to underrepresented minority students, including:

  • Mentoring: LSAMP students are paired with faculty and staff mentors who provide guidance and support on academic and career goals.
  • Research opportunities: LSAMP students can participate in research projects with faculty members within their specific research interest.
  • Financial aid: LSAMP students are eligible for a variety of scholarships and grants
  • Professional development: LSAMP students participate in workshops and training on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and networking.

The LSAMP program at JCTC has been successful in increasing the number of underrepresented minorities (URM) who are prepared to succeed in graduate education and careers in STEM. Over the past 10 years, the LSAMP program at JCTC has helped over 100 students earn their baccalaureate degree in STEM fields and over 20 students earn their master's degrees.

The LSAMP program is a valuable resource for underrepresented minority students who are interested in pursuing STEM degrees. The program provides students with the support and guidance they need to succeed in college and beyond in the STEM workforce.

Who is Louis Stokes?

Louis Stokes was an American attorney, civil rights pioneer and politician. He served 15 terms in the United States House of Representatives – representing the east side of Cleveland – and was the first African American congressman elected in the state of Ohio.

Stokes was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 23, 1925. He graduated from Central High School in 1943 and then served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, Stokes attended Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He was admitted to the bar in 1953 and began practicing law in Cleveland.

Stokes became involved in politics in the early 1960s. He was elected to the Cleveland City Council in 1965 and served until 1968. In 1968, Stokes was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was reelected 14 times, serving until his retirement in 1999.

During his time in Congress, Stokes was a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the House Ethics Committee. He was also the first African American to chair the House Select Committee on Assassinations, which investigated the murders of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Stokes was a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and was a leading voice in the fight for civil rights legislation. He was also a strong supporter of education and economic opportunity for all Americans.

Stokes died on August 18, 2015, at the age of 90. He was a true American hero and a role model for all who aspire to make a difference in the world.

KY-WV LSAMP

The Kentucky – West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KY-WV LSAMP) is a consortium of colleges and universities working together to create, enhance, and expand programs designed to broaden participation and increase the quality and quantity of students from minority groups who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Program goals and activities focus on undergraduate research experiences, graduate school preparation, and international experiences. KY-WV LSAMP is one of 50 alliances in the nation.

Services Provided:

  • Transitional experience: Making the move from high school to college can be challenging, but LSAMP programs offer social and educational support to make the college experience more fulfilling.
  • Research experience: Enjoy the hands-on research opportunities that make a college experience more enriching. Explore research to find your passion and develop the skills needed to be a leader in your field.
  • Postgraduate career aspirations: LSAMP prepares you for your next step, whether it be the pursuit of graduate studies and/or employment in industry or government.
  • Mentoring: LSAMP believes in the importance of mentoring with STEM discipline faculty and professionals, both in the classroom and in life and career. Participants will also become mentors to peers and K-12 students.

Benefits for Jefferson students are:

  • STEM education.
  • Receive a stipend funding opportunity.
  • Access to conference and travel funding.
  • KY-WV Annual Research Symposium attendance.
  • Personal coaching from program staff and mentors.
  • Access to personal and professional development works
  • Networking opportunities with STEM faculty at Jefferson and at the University of Louisville.

For more information on how to join, please see someone in the Multicultural Center. We are located on the Downtown Campus in the Chestnut Hall, Room B14.

JCTC is known for its wide range of programs, its commitment to student success, and its strong ties to the Louisville community.

JCTC offers many degree programs including associate degrees, certificate programs, and diplomas in a variety of fields, including information technology, business administration, welding technology, health care, and engineering. The college also offers a variety of non-credit courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and workforce education.

JCTC is committed to student success. The college offers a variety of support services, such as tutoring, academic advising, and financial aid assistance. JCTC also has a strong commitment to workforce development. The college works with local businesses to develop and deliver training programs that meet the needs of the local economy.

JCTC has strong ties to the Louisville community. The college is a member of the Louisville Regional Workforce Alliance, which is a partnership of businesses, education, and government organizations that work together to develop and deliver workforce development programs. JCTC also partners with local businesses to provide internships and co-ops for students.

JCTC is an asset to the Louisville community. The college provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. The college also helps to promote economic development in the community by providing training programs that meet the needs of local businesses.