inSTEM
inSTEM @ UTA
Are you an undergraduate first-year student interested in one of the exciting fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)?
inSTEM is an auxiliary support network of and for STEM students at UTA! We are thrilled to launch inSTEM - a joint effort between NSTMF and UTA's Office of Undergraduate Research.
APPLICATIONS
- Annually: May through August
What Sort of Funding is Available?
Each student will be awarded funding per semester along with a Scholar Success Kit for successful entry and delivery of inSTEM program engagements.
Eligibility
inSTEM offers four years of programming; each has a theme based on the Scholars' needs for the current school year. Scholars are eligible to be inSTEM participants for all four years and may enroll during their first year at any time. The Scholars' status as a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year student will determine which year of the program they will enter. The first cohort will be Fall 2021!
Each cohort includes 15 inSTEM Scholars and one Coach. STEM Experts will visit cohorts to lead workshops and provide insights about the greater STEM community!
- First-Year Students at UTA
- High School weighted GPA of 2.8 and above
- Interested in STEM majors
- Interested in joining their STEM community
- Willing to learn and share with peers
- Open-minded
National Medals (NSTMF) Website
Scholar Benefits and Obligations?
In addition to personal and professional development benefits; inSTEM scholars will be eligible for:
- A stipend to be used for books and requires school supplies.
- Student Success Kit that includes equipment they need to participate in this program from a distance, like a headset and a microphone or other distance learning materials
Scholars are expected to:
- Adhere to a code of conduct that creates a safer space for everyone to share and learn. Participants who do not comply with the guidelines for creating safer spaces for Scholars will be removed from the program immediately.
- Attend inSTEM sessions (can only miss one session per semester).
- Schedule at least one 30-minute mentor session with their coach per semester.
- Meet with their inSTEM mentor at least four times during the academic year.
- Respond promptly to inSTEM correspondence from their mentor, coach, or NSTMF staff.
- Participate in at least three wellness activities each month.
Goals of inSTEM?
These wide-reaching goals guide all aspects of inSTEM, from the type of professional development opportunities offered to the guided discussions that inSTEM Scholars will have together.
1) Scholars will stay in their STEM program or major. Substantial statistical and empirical evidence shows that mentorship can help students from underrepresented communities in STEM stay in their majors. inSTEM's primary goal is to make its Scholars feel comfortable in their STEM communities.
2) Scholars will hone skills that help them succeed in college and their careers. Certain skills are essential to success in STEM, both while in college and after graduation. Through professional development workshops and research experiences, inSTEM will allow its Scholars to acquire those skills, like how to network, land a position in a lab, and write a grant. These workshops will be stepping stones to the Scholars' first steps in the STEM community.
3) Scholars will feel comfortable reaching out to Experts, met through the program, with professional or personal questions related to their STEM journey. A significant pillar of the program, Scholars will have the unique opportunity to interact with STEM Experts, including Laureates of the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology & Innovation and other top minds in the community. These members of the NSTMF's network of STEM luminaries will facilitate professional development workshops, share their stories of overcoming adversity, and offer an ear to the Scholars. We hope to increase the likelihood of the Scholars finding a STEM Expert with whom they connect by providing an array of experts.