An alliance was developed among three Midwestern universities to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) students receiving doctoral degrees in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. To achieve this goal activities encompass the three areas that include recruitment, retention, and enrichment. Recruitment initiatives focus on strategic partnerships, discipline-based events, student collaborations, summer research programs and visitation programs. Retention objectives are directed at scholars, tutoring, summer transition programs, and a faculty mentoring network. A primary goal of the Scholars enrichment program is to encourage Scholars to pursue careers as faculty members. Graduate students interested in academic careers must be prepared for the diverse faculty opportunities at the various types of institutions. Graduate education plays an important role in the professional development of graduate students. The enrichment activities are based on proven models, including the national Preparing Future Faculty program, that are adapted to align with program goals. To meet programmatic goals and the diverse needs of graduate students, a multi-prong approach was developed that includes: (1) a formal graduate-level course, (2) custom workshops and seminars, (3) engagement and service opportunities, (4) travel awards, and (5) individual career consultations. The topics covered through the multi-prong approach explore faculty roles and responsibilities as they relate to the missions of an institution of higher education, along with the type of institution including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, research universities, and minority-serving institutions. The institutional data along with program evaluations reflect the efforts of these programs. Application, enrollment, and degree numbers are steadily increasing. The number of students participating in the program is also on the rise. Continued growth in the number of URM students receiving doctoral degrees will provide a more culturally diverse faculty, thus achieving the AGEP program goals.
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