Racial Equity through Student Engagement and Teaching in STEM
Program Overview
The NSF-funded Advancing Racial Equity for Youth in Alternative Schooling Systems through Culturally Responsive STEM Programming, or RESET in STEM, builds upon UH’s successful STEM RISE program. RESET in STEM addresses systemic barriers that hinder economically and socially disadvantaged students’ access to STEM education by fostering partnerships between UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Education, and Cullen College of Engineering and community organizations such as 8 Million Stories, Inc. (8MS) and Project Row Houses (PRH).
Together, these partnerships recruit and support high school students from the Third Ward and surrounding underserved neighborhoods in Houston, providing opportunities to engage in culturally responsive STEM programming.
Students
The program offers scholarships to undergraduate STEM majors and high school students over the course of four years. High school students from the Third Ward and surrounding underserved neighborhoods participate in a six-week, on-campus summer program to engage in STEM research lab experiences. During the school year, students attend after-school workshops, hosted at community spaces such as the Eldorado Ballroom, which focus on STEM tutoring, college and career readiness, and hands-on STEM projects. These activities are designed to create meaningful pathways for students to thrive in STEM fields while honoring their unique cultural and community identities.
Summer 2025 STEM RISE × RESET in STEM Program
The Summer 2025 STEM RISE × RESET in STEM program is slated for June 10 – July 26, 2025.
- The teachHOUSTON Undergraduate Research Methods course will take place during UH Summer Session 3 (June 2 – July 22, 2025).
- 8 Million Stories High School student participation will take place June 16 – July 26, 2025.
Program Participants
Scholarships ranging from $2,500 – $5,000
Option 1: STEM RISE Research Methods Scholar ($2,500)
- Receive a full scholarship for the summer Research Methods in STEM course (BIO, CHEM or PHYS 4340)
- Participate in the STEM Professional Development Institute focused on culturally responsive instruction and mentoring practices
- Teach lessons and mentor high school students participating in the STEM RISE research lab experience
Option 2: STEM RISE Undergrad Lab Mentor ($2,500)
- Conduct STEM research in UH STEM labs
- Participate in the STEM Professional Development Institute focused on culturally responsive instruction and mentoring practices
- Mentor and support high school students also conducting research in labs
Option 3: RESET in STEM Research Methods sand Lab Mentor ($5,000)
- Combination of Options 1 and 2
As a STEM RISE × RESET in STEM Scholar, you will:
- Conduct STEM research in UH STEM labs
- Receive mentorship in labs from STEM RISE lab mentors (undergraduate STEM majors at UH)
- Receive hands-on STEM instruction and mentorship support from STEM RISE mentors (preservice STEM teachers at UH)
- Gain hands-on STEM experience in classroom and research lab setting
Total Time Commitment for All Activities: 6 weeks
Total Compensation: Funds will be provided for on-campus meals and lab materials. Stipend will be provided.
We are currently recruiting applicants from 8 Million Stories and Jack Yates High School.
Ready to Apply?
UH medical students, UH NSM majors and Jack Yates High School students should complete this form to apply for the STEM RISE program.
STEM RISE × RESET in STEM Application
Questions
Contact us at stemrise@uh.edu.
RESET in STEM In the News
Meet the RESET in STEM Team
Dr. Mariam Manuel
Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics, teachHOUSTON, UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Marvin Pierre
Co-Founder & Executive Director, 8 Million Stories
Dr. Jacqueline Ekeoba
Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics, teachHOUSTON, UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Dr. Jerrod Henderson
Assistant Professor in Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UH Cullen College of Engineering
Dr. April Peters-Hawkins
Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, UH College of Education
Dr. Donna Stokes
Professor in the Department of Physics, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Student Success, UH College of Natural Science and Mathematics