inSTEM

inSTEM @ UTA

Are you an undergraduate first-year student interested in one of the exciting fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)?

inSTEM is an auxiliary support network of and for STEM students at UTA! We are thrilled to launch inSTEM - a joint effort between NSTMF and UTA's Office of Undergraduate Research.

The NSTMF’s mission is to build inclusive and equitable STEM communities across the country. inSTEM is the Foundation’s newest program designed to inspire the next generation of great scientists and technologists by creating connections and developing skills that help students overcome barriers to success.

APPLICATIONS

  • Annually: August - September

inSTEM @ UTA 

Graduate Students: Interested in being a Mentor for inSTEM Scholars? 

Graduate Student Mentors are an invaluable position within inSTEM. They provide structure to the meetings with experts, meet one-on-one with inSTEM Scholars, and provide an environment for a growth mindset with transformational learning opportunities. If you're interested in becoming a Graduate Student Mentor, please fill out the application below. We recruit for coaches in the Spring for the next academic year.

Graduate Student Mentor Application 

What Sort of Funding is Available? 

Each student will be awarded funding per semester along with a Scholar Success Kit for successful entry and delivery of inSTEM program engagements.


Eligibility

inSTEM offers four years of programming; each has a theme based on the Scholars' needs for the current school year. Scholars are eligible to be inSTEM participants for all four years and may enroll during their first year at any time. The Scholars' status as a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year student will determine which year of the program they will enter. The first cohort will be Fall 2021! 

Each cohort includes 15 inSTEM Scholars and one Coach. STEM Experts will visit cohorts to lead workshops and provide insights about the greater STEM community!

  • First-Year Students at UTA
  • High School weighted GPA of 2.8 and above
  • Interested in STEM majors
  • Interested in joining their STEM community
  • Willing to learn and share with peers
  • Open-minded

National Medals (NSTMF) Website 

Scholar Benefits and Obligations?

In addition to personal and professional development benefits; inSTEM scholars will be eligible for:

  • A stipend to be used for books and requires school supplies.
  • Student Success Kit that includes equipment they need to participate in this program from a distance, like a headset and a microphone or other distance learning materials

Scholars are expected to:

  • Adhere to a code of conduct that creates a safer space for everyone to share and learn. Participants who do not comply with the guidelines for creating safer spaces for Scholars will be removed from the program immediately.
  • Attend eight meetings per semester and schedule at least one 30-minute mentor session with their Coach per semester.
  • Reach out to at least two STEM experts in their auxiliary network by the end of each term to build their professional network.

Goals of inSTEM?

These wide-reaching goals guide all aspects of inSTEM, from the type of professional development opportunities offered to the guided discussions that inSTEM Scholars will have together.

1) Scholars will stay in their STEM program or major. Substantial statistical and empirical evidence shows that mentorship can help students from underrepresented communities in STEM stay in their majors. inSTEM's primary goal is to make its Scholars feel comfortable in their STEM communities.

 

2) Scholars will hone skills that help them succeed in college and their careers. Certain skills are essential to success in STEM, both while in college and after graduation. Through professional development workshops and research experiences, inSTEM will allow its Scholars to acquire those skills, like how to network, land a position in a lab, and write a grant. These workshops will be stepping stones to the Scholars' first steps in the STEM community.

 

3) Scholars will feel comfortable reaching out to Experts, met through the program, with professional or personal questions related to their STEM journey. A significant pillar of the program, Scholars will have the unique opportunity to interact with STEM Experts, including Laureates of the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology & Innovation and other top minds in the community. These members of the NSTMF's network of STEM luminaries will facilitate professional development workshops, share their stories of overcoming adversity, and offer an ear to the Scholars. We hope to increase the likelihood of the Scholars finding a STEM Expert with whom they connect by providing an array of experts.