History of LSAMP

In 1991, the United States Congress commissioned the National Science Foundation to address the under-utilization of talent from African-Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders racial/ethnic populations, and to lead the charge in diversifying STEM disciplines and industries in our country by intentionally developing the talent within these target communities.  The Alliances for Minority Participation (AMP) program, an initiative designed to substantially increase the quality and quantity of students from historically underrepresented groups who successfully (i) complete baccalaureate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), as well as (ii) complete higher level STEM degrees and/or achieve employment within a STEM field, was established. The goals of the program were to be achieve through the formation of alliances comprised of multiple institutions of higher education, industry, national research laboratories, and local, state, and federal agencies working together. The AMP program started with six alliances, and has grown to over 50 alliances, involving over 600 U.S. colleges and universities and graduating over 800K bachelor degrees in STEM (~45K/year).

In 1999, upon the retirement of Congressman Louis Stokes, Congress honored him by naming the AMP program in his likeness, thus the establishment of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP). 

Additional Resources on the History and Impact of the LSAMP Program
LSAMP: Aiming High and Making A Difference
Louis Stokes Midwest Regional Center of Excellence