Broadening Participation in STEM
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The MAKERS program
MAKERS (Making to Advance Knowledge, Excellence, and Recognition in STEM) is funded by the NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. MAKERS is designed to increase persistence of low-income students in STEM degree programs by integrating STEM enrichment, research, and peripheral activities. MAKERS will provide up to 158 scholarships at our partner institutions (Tuskegee University, Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, Auburn University - Montgomery, Southern Union State Community College, and Lawson State Community College), and develop multiple interventions to support scholars' success. The Oakland University team (Drs. Martha Escobar [PI], Virgil Zeigler-Hill and Melissa McDonald [co-PIs]) will conduct the research that provides scientific evidence for the impact of the interventions on student identification with STEM, motivation, desire to persist in STEM, and academic outcomes. The first cohort of MAKERS students joined the MAKERS program in Fall 2017.
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The RISE program
RISE (Promoting Readiness of Interdisciplinary Scholars for Excellence in the STEM Workforce through a Mentored Community Approach) is funded by the NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. RISE is a collaborative effort among Tuskegee University, Oakland University, Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, Troy University, and Southern Union State Community College. Using innovative technologies (e.g., digital twinning), RISE provides a mentoring ecosystem to support low-income STEM students through graduation and transition to the workforce or STEM graduate programs. The first cohort of RISE Scholars joined the program in Fall 2025.
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