Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students – accelerate your education at JCCC as you work toward your bachelor’s degree.
Become an ASTER LSAMP Scholar, get paired with a mentor, receive a stipend, participate in research and internships, and benefit from professional development opportunities.
If you’re a JCCC STEM student working toward a bachelor’s degree, you’re invited to apply!
The program’s mission is to unite students with peers and faculty to promote high-impact education and graduation in STEM.
The ASTER LSAMP alliance funds undergraduate student research experiences with faculty mentors, STEM-focused summer internships in a variety of areas, monthly professional development opportunities, and a stipend.
Since 1991, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) has supported underrepresented students in successfully earning undergraduate and advanced degrees in STEM disciplines and joining STEM workforce careers. The program has supported more than 650,000 STEM undergraduate students nationally since it began.
In September 2024, LSAMP established the Aligning STEM Trainees for Enterprising Research (ASTER) program, an alliance between the University of Kansas, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pittsburg State University, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Southeast Community College in Lincoln.
To be an ASTER LSAMP Scholar, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled full time as a transfer-seeking JCCC student
- Have U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident
- Plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field
- Maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA for all semesters of participation
- Commit to attend ASTER LSAMP programming (including monthly professional development workshops, undergraduate research activities, and an annual conference) for the duration of your participation
- Have a strong interest in participating in undergraduate research and enhancing learning through interactions with the LSAMP Alliance network
As an ASTER LSAMP Scholar, you will be better prepared to transfer to a four-year institution, pursue a graduate STEM degree, and contribute to the STEM workforce.
Once you apply and are accepted into a cohort, you will be paired with a faculty mentor to conduct research in a STEM field. You also will receive an annual stipend* ($2,000 for less than 60 credit hours and $2,500 for 60+ credit hours). Additionally, you will receive:
- Access to funds for research supplies
- Publication cost deferments
- Conference travel support
- Access to paid summer internship support
- Cost coverage for the GRE exam
- A summer transition camp for transfer students
*The stipend is not financial aid or employment.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. The first JCCC cohort was established during the spring 2025 semester. Ideally, future cohorts of 5 to 14 students will be established at the beginning of each fall and spring semester, with 50 student stipends given to JCCC students over five years.
After applications are accepted, there will be a round of interviews conducted by faculty. Students will be invited to join the ASTER LSAMP Scholars following the interviews.
ASTER LSAMP Scholars will participate in monthly professional development sessions, peer- and faculty-mentored research opportunities, and receive assistance for applying to summer STEM internship experiences. They also will be invited to an annual symposium, transfer camps, and receive one-to-one faculty mentorship.
Pittsburg State - June 16-19
University of Kansas - July 27-30
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - August 17-20
ASTER LSAMP JCCC Program Coordinator
Amanda Glass, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Division of Science
913-469-8500, ext. 3478