The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Summer Science Learning Community Program kicked off on Sunday, June 21, 2009, with a reception and dinner in Grimes Lounge. LSAMP students, parents, faculty, staff and guests were in attendance.

Dr. Lisa D. Montgomery, Vice President, Enrollment Services and Student Success shared an intriguing story, "Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?" which addressed diversity and handling change. Dr. Magdy Attia, Dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Chairman, Council of Deans, also greeted students and parents.

The overall goal of the LSAMP Summer Science Learning Community Program is to assist first-semester freshmen in making a successful transition from high school to college. The program provides an academic curriculum, access to student support services, and an environment in which students can acclimate to campus and develop effective academic strategies.

Participants in the program receive a $1,000 stipend, tuition, fees, insurance, room and board. For the second consecutive year, JCSU has offered this program through a collaboration led by the University of Virginia to increase the number of minority students earning degrees in one of the STEM disciplines.

Fourteen academically gifted students with a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics were selected. The program concludes on July 16, 2009.