STEM Through Authentic Research & Training The UK START Program

STEM occupational demand continues to increase, but many students lack key experiences and road maps to consider STEM careers. First generation, female, disabled, and students of color remain underrepresented in STEM. The START Program aims to strengthen and diversify the STEM community and enrich future STEM higher education, research, and innovation. START sponsors STEM teacher professional development and provides mentorship and authentic STEM experiences to underrepresented students, from middle school through graduate school.

Teachers START envisioning

TEACHERS: LEARN ABOUT SUMMER 2023 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT! Spend a few weeks in a research lab or receive START sponsorship to attend a workshop led by the UK College of STEM Education. Click the above photo for more information on START sponsored professional development.

Students START apprenticing

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: APPLY FOR APPRENTICESHIP! The START Apprentice Program pairs rising juniors and seniors (age 16+} with trained mentors to have authentic STEM experiences on campus and beyond. Receive coaching, academic development, and access to the STEM community while gaining robust tools for sustained STEM success.

Mentors START empowering

BECOME A START MENTOR! START is currently recruiting UK undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about student access to STEM. The START Apprentice program pairs Mentors with high school juniors and seniors and provides credentialed Mentor training. You have so much to offer an aspiring STEM student - get involved!

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START APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

START hosts Apprenticeships on the University of Kentucky campus and beyond.

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2023 START Program Summer Apprentice Cohort

UK START Apprentices close summer program with white coat ceremony, aerospace event

Jul 10, 2023

The University of Kentucky STEM Through Authentic Research and Training (START) program recently closed out its summer session, with START Apprentices gaining tremendous insight into research careers and higher education. The program began with a week of apprentices developing a growth mindset, harnessing their strengths, training in mentorship, and learning about campus resources for student success. It served as a platform that promoted personal growth, ignited a sense of belonging on campus, and created lasting friendships among the participants.

UK freshman awarded prestigious national aerospace fellowship

By: Mattie Price Jul 10, 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2023) — University of Kentucky freshman Lordina Mensah recently became the university's first student to be accepted into the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, a nationally competitive aerospace fellowship program.

Left to right: Acting Dean Charles Griffith, Dr. Margaret Mohr-Schroeder, Lordina Mensah, Dr. Luke Bradley, President Eli Capiluoto, Dr. Stephanie White. (Not pictured: Dr. Anthony Sinai, Rebecca Rudd, Molly McAndrews, and Julie Bradley)

UK START Program Receives Golden Apple Award

Sep 19, 2022

In recognition of its strong commitment to student achievement, the University of Kentucky STEM Through Authentic Research and Training (START) program was honored with the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) Golden Apple Award. The Golden Apple Award recognizes high-achieving programs and organizations that partner with FCPS to advance education and mentorship opportunities for students in the community. Members of the UK START program received the award on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the FCPS State of the Schools Address event.

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