Com-STEM, the Community-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational initiative at McNeese State University, Louisiana State University at Eunice and Lamar State College-Orange offers your students the educational opportunity to hone their creative abilities, scientific skills, and academic preparedness for professional engagement with the global community.  Com-STEM is a faculty and student-driven program envisioned by dedicated science faculty members for all current and rising college students with an inclination for scientific exploration. 

First and foremost, Com-STEM wants to attract and retain students into STEM disciplines and, ultimately, into STEM careers.  As you well know, STEM careers offer exciting programs and excellent opportunities for the advancement of science and technology.  In Southwest Louisiana and East Texas, STEM careers are essential to furthering local and regional economic development and sustainability. 

The Com-STEM program at McNeese State University (or other partner institution) emphasizes academic engagement and support for students through:

	Personal contacts with professional scientists and academicians,
	Individual academic monitoring by Com-STEM faculty members,
	Pre-professional and career counseling,

	Mentoring by: Excelling upper-level undergraduates in STEM disciplines and University faculty members engaged in scientific research and academic pursuits, and
	An Academic Excellence Reward program that rewards students financially based on their engagement in academically meaningful activities (e.g., maintaining a high grade point average, attendance at professional seminars and undergraduate research).

Com-STEM students are members of a distinguished and growing group of undergraduates interested in advancing themselves in the STEM disciplines.  If you can imagine, create and excel you have the makings of a Com-STEM student. 

As you begin your next step from high school to higher education, remember the Com-STEM initiative seeks people like you.  Our society depends heavily on science and technology.  Our community depends on critical thinkers, like you, who will lead science to the next realm.  Only you can shape your life and, by doing so, you will shape your community and our society.  Com-STEM will be there to encourage, nurture and support your scientific study and pursuits along the way.  Please consider us, because we have already considered you.  We welcome those who welcome the challenge. 

Com-STEM offers a number of $500 scholarships to qualified entering freshmen to McNeese State University who pursue STEM degrees. For more information on the entering freshmen scholarships, CLICK HERE.

To see a list of the students who were awarded entering freshman scholarships for the Fall 2006 semester, CLICK HERE.

Please feel free to contact the Com-STEM Program Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth Stevenson [phone (337) 475-5663 or email: comstem@mcneese.edu], to discuss the many opportunities Com-STEM offers.  If you are interested, meetings with Com-STEM faculty members at any of the three partner institutions can be arranged to discuss your specific STEM discipline of choice. 

Associate and Baccalaureate STEM degree programs including more information specific to two and four-year degree programs are listed under Academic Programs. 

If you are graduating from high school and you would like to become a Com-STEM student at McNeese State University you must fill out a First Time Freshman Com-STEM Application form. Once you fill out this form, you will also be automatically considered for a Com-STEM scholarship. To download this form, CLICK HERE.

High School Student Outreach Activities