Eastern Alliance in Science, TEchnology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The Eastern Alliance in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (EAST) at the University of Southern Maine (USM), funded through NSF Cooperative agreement HRD 00333316, has broadened the participation of people with disabilities in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  EAST seeks to improve the rates of participation, retention, and advancement of individuals with disabilities in STEM secondary and postsecondary education by coordinating and increasing the availability and accessibility of resources to students; change academic and professional climates by increasing recognition of needs and abilities of individuals with disabilities; and insure program sustainability by catalyzing, strengthening, and coordinating STEM activities with disabilities. EAST provides opportunities such as undergraduate research fellowships (URFs) for students majoring in STEM or considering STEM careers. Students conduct research with a faculty supervisor during the academic year or for 8 weeks during the summer at institutions in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island. EAST's research in the impacts of undergraduate fellowships is providing a deeper understanding of the significant gains in student professional development leading to gainful employment or further college education in the STEM fields. Analysis of interviews with EAST URFs and advisors revealed that undergraduate research fellowships can be made successful through active advisors who provide guidance, support and encouragement, and flexibility when working and communicating with students; the acknowledgement of the student’s disability through pro-activeness in addressing needs and preferences, including accommodations; and peer network for URFs to support one another and share and exchange resources. URFs and advisors indicated that the EAST internship experience had a positive impact in the areas of student self-confidence and esteem; student motivation to continue the pursuit of STEM academic disciplines and careers; continuation and publication of the research conducted; and the classroom and laboratory instructional practices of the faculty advisors.