The Liberal Arts Science Scholars Program: A Multidisciplinary Model for Supporting Science and Mathematics Students through the First Year

Institute for STEM Education and Research. P.O. Box 4001, Auburn, AL 36831. Tel: 334-844-3360; Web site: http://www.jstem.org

Y

8

National Science Foundation (NSF)

1458712

Liberal Arts; Interdisciplinary Approach; Models; Majors (Students); STEM Education; Merit Scholarships; Federal Aid; Grants; Academic Persistence; School Holding Power; Low Income Students; Private Colleges; Vocational Interests; Transitional Programs; Disproportionate Representation; Mentors; High Achievement; Minority Group Students; Females; First Generation College Students; Sense of Community; College Freshmen

1557-5284

St. Lawrence University received a five-year Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create the multidisciplinary Liberal Arts Science Scholars program (award #1458712), which makes a high quality science and mathematics education accessible to high achieving, Pell Grant eligible students by providing merit scholarships and specialized supports. The program's supports, which are not specific to any one discipline, are designed to combat three of the main barriers to STEM persistence: capacity, interest, and belonging. This paper describes the first year of the Liberal Arts Science Scholars program and provides preliminary evidence for the program's ability to serve as a model for improving the retention and academic success of low-income students in the natural, physical, and mathematical sciences. While the Liberal Arts Science Scholars Program was implemented at a small, private liberal arts university, the supports described could be adapted for use at any type of institution.

As Provided

2019

EJ1231798