Today, Framingham State University received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Framingham State University will be featured, along with 78 other recipients, in the September 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. 

Framingham State was recognized for its STEM Scholars Program, which launched in 2016. The program identifies students interested in STEM whose SAT scores and high school grades suggest they might struggle in required first year math and science courses. STEM scholars take three courses their first semester, rather than four, in order to allow them to participate in additional support activities. They are provided with a voucher for a summer school class in order to keep them on track with their credit accumulation.

In addition to increased advising and tutoring, students in each cohort of STEM scholars take courses and progress together in order to build a sense of community.

Retention among the students in the STEM Scholars Program grew to 84.4% by the third cohort. Prior to the program, students with similar academic backgrounds were seeing retention rates of less than 50%.

"We are very proud of our STEM Scholars Program and honored to receive this recognition from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine," says FSU President F. Javier Cevallos. "Framingham State is committed to helping more underrepresented students succeed within the STEM majors."

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives. 

"We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students," says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. "We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond."

For more information about the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.