928-523-2408
anita.antoninka@nau.eduSloan MITSI undergraduate Bridge Program
Supporting Indigenous and Latine students in STEM education
The Sloan MITSI Bridge Program seeks to expand upon existing collaborations between NAU’s main campus, Diné College, and NAU–Yuma to facilitate successful student transitions from their undergraduate program into careers and/or graduate school in STEM. Students will be introduced to STEM career pathways as well as professionals with graduate degrees and similar cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. We also provide guidance and instruction in selecting, applying, and seeking funding for graduate programs and future careers.
Benefits of bridge programs
Bridge programs have demonstrated success at increasing recruitment and retention of BIPOC students from high school to college and from bachelor’s to PhD (Brady A. and Gallant D., 2021; Stassun et al., 2018). However, there are few programs that focus on bridging students into master’s (MS) programs. A thesis-based MS program may be a stepping stone into not only a PhD program, but also valuable careers in academia, industry, government and NGOs—all career paths in need of a diversified workforce. A bridge program from undergraduate into an MS program can educate you about the variety of career opportunities available and provide stepping stones into a broad array of postgraduate training options.
Program details
Coursework
We offer two courses to undergraduates interested in graduate career pathways.
BIO 498, fall term
- The long-term goal of this course is to prepare students to apply to graduate programs and/or jobs in STEM. You will 1) learn about the different pathways to successful careers in STEM, 2) develop an individual development plan, 3) learn how to search for graduate programs and job opportunities, 4) put together a CV or résumé, 5) identify specific opportunities for applications, 6) write a cover letter and personal statement for your preferred opportunity, and 7) submit or be prepared to submit an application by the end of the course.
BIO 498, spring term
- Preparing for graduate studies. Students applying to graduate programs will take this course to prepare for the rigors of graduate studies. The goal is to introduce you to the tools and skills needed to thrive in a graduate program.
Mentorship and research
If you are accepted into MITSI and/or enroll in STEM graduate programs at NAU, you will be paired with faculty or industry partners in your field who have demonstrated experience in successfully training BIPOC graduate students. During the spring semester of your senior year, you will get to know the literature associated with your mentor’s work and begin to formulate your potential project. After graduation from your undergraduate institution, all MITSI participants will come to Flagstaff during the summer for a two-week, hands-on, paid research or internship experience with your mentor.
This bridge program will start with a two-day retreat to build bonds among participants and will culminate in a celebration symposium where you will present your work to peers, mentors, family, and friends. The summer program also includes experiential learning and professional development with trips to potential employers, other graduate programs, and cultural sites. At the end of the summer program, you’ll transition into your master’s program at NAU with the same mentors.