Dr. Jacob Varkey
HSU Alliance for Minority Participation
The California State University Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CSU-LSAMP) program is a joint project between the National Science Foundation and the California State University. The program is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. HRD 0331537. The goal of the program is to increase the participation of the African-Americans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The LSAMP Summer Bridge Program has been designed to increase the number of students who will graduate in the next five years with a baccalaureate degree in science, engineering or math. There is no fee for participation in this program. As a participant you will receive a stipend of $800 and HSU housing of $400, plus a graphing calculator worth $150.
The LSAMP Summer Bridge Program provides supplemental instruction in mathematical analysis (pre-calculus) and in the process offers extensive training in the use of a graphing calculator (provided). (Note:This is not the EOP summer bridge program.) You will not receive a grade for the summer program. Instead you will receive an evaluation from the instructor with recommendations for further study.
Cooperative learning is encouraged in the Summer Bridge Program. You will make new friends and have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus and its extensive services. You can arrange to meet with academic and financial aid counselors, finalize your schedule, and resolve any problems or concerns well in advance of the fall semester. Oftentimes, since this program ends a few days before the beginning of the semester, you may be able to make arrangements to retain your dorm room for the upcomping Fall semester, avoiding a move (subject to availability and approval of the Housing Office). Most importantly, this program is a valuable opportunity for you to prepare for a successful year in pre-calculus or calculus. Traditionally, students who have participated in this program have performed very well in pre-calculus and calculus academic year courses (As and Bs).
The 2008 summer program will run from July 21 through August 15. The four week class has been scheduled for four to five hours a day, Monday through Friday. (Traditionally, the class has been scheduled in the morning. If selected, you will be notified of the exact class schedule.) Selection is based on (a) academic performance and (b) a personal statement (not to exceed one single spaced typed page) describing your educational goals and why you should be selected for the program. If you are selected, you will receive a stipend of $200 a week ($800 total), a Texas Instruments graphing calculator (~$150 value) for personal use (you will be allowed to keep the calculator upon successful completion of the program), and on-campus housing (a $400 value) if you do not live in the local area.
Students selected for the CSU-AMP summer bridge program are also eligible to participate in other facets of the AMP program such as academic workshops (supplemental courses announced at the beginning of each semester for core courses including Bot 105, Bio 105, Bio 340, Chem 109, Chem 110, Chem 321, Chem 322, Math 109, Math 110, Physics 106 and Physics 107) . Upon successful completion of one or more supplemental courses, you may be eligible for a stipend to offset the cost of books and supplies, provided you earn an A or B grade in the core course(s).
Students eligible for the CSU-LSAMP Summer Bridge Program:
- Are individuals who have faced or face social, educational or economic barriers and
- Are planning to attend Humboldt State University for the 2008/2009 academic year as incoming freshmen
Please print and complete the CSU-LSAMP Summer Bridge Program application if you meet eligibility requirements and are interested in participating. Be sure to include a personal statement (no more than one single space typed page), and submit a copy of your official high school transcript and college transcript (if applicable).
Due to the limited number of seats available, we recommend sending your application on or before the priority postmark deadline of: Monday, April 26, 2008 (we will begin accepting qualified students shortly after this deadline).
The final postmark deadline for submission of your application is Monday, June 7, 2008. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.
Please send completed applications to:
Dr. Jacob Varkey, Professor of Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521
Participants may be eligible to receive a stipend for textbooks during the academic year!
Please feel free to contact us by either phone 707.826.4164 or email at jpv1@humboldt.edu if you have any questions about the program. It is important that you complete all sections of the application and the personal statement, as incomplete applications will not be processed.