Area high school graduates who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) at McNeese State University this fall can apply now for the summer Louis Stokes-Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) program being offered June 1-July 15 by the McNeese College of Science.

The major goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented groups of students receiving baccalaureate and graduate degrees in STEM in Louisiana, according to Dr. George Mead, dean of the college of science and director of the LS-LAMP program. "Our program encourages African American, Hispanic, American Indian and Pacific Islander students to apply," said Mead.

Only 12 students will be selected for the six-week program, which includes textbooks, tuition and fees, housing and meal plans. "Students who successfully complete this program will receive college credit for the courses offered this summer and a stipend of up to $1,000 based on their performance," he said.

Eligible applicants must be 2008 high school graduates, have a 3.0 or better grade point average with an ACT composite score of at least 20 and a math score of 20 or higher, have completed Algebra I or II and geometry, in addition to pursuing a four-year STEM degree at McNeese.

For an application or additional information, contact Darren Alcock at 475-5762 or by e-mail at dalcock@mcneese.edu.