Alcorn holds its 21st LSMAMP Summer Bridge Program

Alcorn holds its 21st LSMAMP Summer Bridge Program

Alcorn holds its 21st LSMAMP Summer Bridge Program

Twenty-two high school graduates attended Alcorn State University’s annual Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP) high school to college bridge program held May 26-June 22, 2013.

“It is the 21st year that we have hold this terrific program,” stated Dr. Troy J. Stewart, site coordinator for the program/professor emeritus and retired chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Alcorn. “The group of students we had this year was wonderful – 22 young individuals who are eager to learn and willing to work extra hard. In my opinion, they are the most likely to succeed in college.”

The LSMAMP high school to college bridge program was created to assist high school graduates in entering college life and facilitate high academic achievement in the areas of science and engineering. The program addresses the underrepresentation of minorities in these fields by encouraging more minority students to attend institutions of higher learning in pursuit of science and engineering careers.

Over the course of the program, students receive lectures and hands-on experience in chemistry, biology and physics that help them to do very good in their freshman level courses. Participating in the daily activities, students also develop their communication and leadership skills, learn various computer applications that may be used in the scientific, mathematical or engineering curriculums. During their life skills classes, students learn about personal finance, acquire social skills and find out how to dress for success. They also go through college orientation where representatives of Alcorn’s schools and departments provide information on admission, financial aid, athletics, student organizations and more. The program also has its fun components: this year students attended museums in Jackson, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a water park.

“Most of the high school students will go on to study at Alcorn,” shared Dr. Stewart. “This year, 20 program participants will become Alcornites in the fall.”

Program participants and instructor during their math class.

Dr. Troy Stewart (left, front row), instructors, student leaders and program participants at the closing ceremony.