CIMA-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program

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About CIMA

Ciencia, Ingeniería, y Matemáticas Aliados (CIMA) is the Alamo Colleges’ Alliance was formed in the fall of 2013 when St. Philip’s College was awarded a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Baccalaureate (B2B) Program grant funded by the National Science Foundation. CIMA is comprised of five of the Alamo Colleges: San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, Northeast Lakeview College, and Northwest Vista College and the lead institution St. Philip's College with the mission to significantly increase the number of underrepresented student who attain bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In order to achieve CIMA’s mission, a large number of initiatives, including peer mentorship, faculty mentorship, tutoring, supplemental instruction, STEM student incubator and undergraduate research.

About LSAMP

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program assists universities and colleges in diversifying the STEM workforce through their efforts at significantly increasing the numbers of students successfully completing high quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on transforming STEM education through innovative recruitment and retention strategies and experiences in support of groups historically under-represented in STEM discipline: African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders. The knowledge generation portfolio of LSAMP supported activities contributes to the body of literature on successful practices in student recruitment, retention, persistence, and attainment of STEM undergraduate and graduate degrees, especially for the previously mentioned populations underrepresented in STEM disciplines.

Read more about Louis Stokes Biography

CIMA Application

CIMA-LSAMP is now accepting applications for our Undergraduate Research Program. If you are a student that is interested in this opportunity, please apply today! Students with declared majors in a STEM (Science. Technology, Engineering, Math) related field are eligible to participate in the program. Pre-professional Medical and Nursing majors are not eligible to participate.

Summer Research Application

Fall & Spring Research Application

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

"This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1712626. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF)."

Opportunities

The CIMA-LSAMP Program Office encourage STEM students to seek out research and internship opportunities. Find out what opportunities this program has to offer.

Learn more

Academic Support

Services Offered by CIMA-LSAMP

Tutoring Services

Our CIMA-LSAMP tutors specialize in assisting STEM students in gatekeeper courses like; Pre-calculus, Calculus I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Engineering, and more.

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Academic Support Center

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA-LSAMP Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    The Science Tutoring & Advocacy Center

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA-LSAMP Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Tutoring Services

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA-LSAMP Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Tutoring Services

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA-LSAMP Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Byrd Sanctuary

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA-LSAMP Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

Peer Mentor

The CIMA-LSAMP Peer Mentors are here to help you achieve academic success.

What is a Peer Mentor?

  • An experienced guide and role model to help you navigate easily through your college experience.
  • A trusted ally who provides advice, support, and information with your personal, academic, and social situations.

What are some of the benefits of having a Peer Mentor? 

  • Boosting confidence and self-esteem
  • Strengthening your academic skills 
  • Helping you gain professional development (training, guest speakers, teambuilding, etc.)
  • One-on-One sessions 

Peer Mentor can help you with:

  • Information and encouragement on STEM academic achievements
  • Information on campus resources and opportunities
  • Setting future goals
  • Understanding your degree plan and the courses required

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Participate?

Any student who intends to major in a STEM major can take advantage of our tutoring services. Any first time in college student who intends to major in a STEM major can apply to become a mentee.

How do I apply for the Undergraduate research program?

Apply through our online application. Look for the application button on our page.

What are the eligible STEM subjects?

Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Research, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, General Science, Geology, and Mathematics

Do I have to be 18 years or older to apply for the CIMA-LSAMP Program?

Yes.

Do I have to be enrolled at Alamo Colleges to apply for the CIMA-LSAMP Program?

Yes, you must be enrolled as a student in one of the five Alamo Colleges for the upcoming Fall and Spring semester. 

Can Early College Academy students apply?

We are unable to accept applications from any Early College Academy/Dual Credit students at this time.

Contact Information

  • Principal Investigator:
    Randall Dawson
    Vice President for Academic Success
    St. Philip's College
    Executive Cabinet
    rdawson@apoios.net
    210-486-2276

  • CIMA-LSAMP Coordinator:
    Ronald Viola, M.S.
    St. Philip's College
    Natural Sciences Dept.
    rviola@apoios.net
    210-486-2551

  • Co-Principal Investigator:
    Marsha Adrian
    Northeast Lakeview College
    Chemistry
    myaklin@apoios.net
    210-486-5340

  • Co-Principal Investigator:
    Yvette Uresti
    Northwest Vista College
    Mathematics
    yuresti@apoios.net
    210-486-4320

  • Co-Principal Investigator:
    Usha Gururajarao
    Palo Alto College
    Natural & Physical Sciences
    ugururajarao@apoios.net
    210-486-3372

  • Co-Principal Investigator:
    Henry Griffith, PhD
    San Antonio College
    Mathematics, Architecture, Physics and Engineering Dept.
    hgriffith5@apoios.net
    210-486-1305