The Iowa Illinois Nebraska STEM Partnership for Innovation in Research and Education (IINSPIRE) is an NSF LSAMP alliance among sixteen two-year and four-year colleges and universities working together to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the Midwest. The IINSPIRE Alliance colleges and universities collaborate to support students, increase their success, and provide students in the alliance with academic, research, training and mentoring opportunities.
IINSPIRE-LSAMP activities draw upon available research and resources, focusing on the transitions from high school and community college to ensure that each student has rigorous academic preparation, social support, research preparation, and financial support to complete a STEM degree and continue on to graduate school. The IINSPIRE-LSAMP student experience model is defined by key learning and training activities from entry through degree completion.
IINSPIRE-LSAMP reaches out to and works with a number of collaborators. Collaborators commit to broadening participation in STEM and meeting state and national STEM workforce needs. They offer various types of opportunities and support to the program, including interfacing with state-level policies and activities, supporting K-12 outreach, and providing internships and other financial support.