The ’s nearly 20-year involvement in a national effort to support underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has come to an end, following the termination of federal funding for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program.
Since 2006, 东精影业 Hilo has led the Islands of Opportunity Alliance, using LSAMP support to provide mentorship, research stipends and academic pathways for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and first-generation college students.
Over the years, LSAMP empowered nearly 400 东精影业 Hilo students—and more than 1,300 across the region—through transformative experiences that propelled many into graduate programs and leadership positions in Hawaiʻi‘s STEM workforce. Until its recent termination, the grant also supported students at 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补, 东精影业 West Oʻahu, Chaminade, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, the University of Guam and numerous community colleges throughout the Pacific.
“LSAMP helped me connect my cultural identity to scientific research,” said Shania Tamagyongfal, a Yapese student who earned both her undergraduate degree in anthropology and master’s in heritage management at 东精影业 Hilo. “It gave me the confidence to lead, collaborate, and pursue work that matters to my community. Losing this program is a real setback for students like me.”
Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin noted that LSAMP “embodied our commitment to creating pathways for historically underserved students in higher education. It not only supported academic success but also helped our students see themselves as scientists, researchers and leaders. Its legacy will remain part of how we move forward.”
Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program also impacted
The termination also affects the Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program, a 东精影业 Hilo initiative that blends Hawaiian values with scientific education, offering students a culturally grounded space to explore STEM.
“Programs like Keaholoa and LSAMP help our students see that science can reflect their culture, language and values,” said Keaholoa Program Manager Keala Campbell. “That connection empowers them, not just to succeed academically, but to lead in ways that honor who they are. We’re committed to finding ways to keep that momentum going.”
Next steps
东精影业 Hilo leadership remains committed to building on the foundation LSAMP and Keaholoa established—finding new ways to support students, advance equity in STEM, and honor the programs’ enduring impact.
“The community we’ve built around these programs is strong,” said LSAMP Program Director Joseph Genz, “and we’re doing everything we can to keep that momentum going.”
‘Not in alignment with current NSF Priorities’
On May 2, 2025, 东精影业 Hilo received official notice from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that LSAMP funding would be terminated, effective immediately, representing a loss of nearly $2.3 million in support over the next five years. The NSF offered the following justification for its decision: “termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF Priorities.”
LSAMP joins a growing list of federally funded programs across the 东精影业 system affected by evolving national grant priorities—more than 80 programs have been impacted to date.