Hill-Lopes Scholars Program receives 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award
Program recognized for making a difference for women in STEM
By JAMIE ABELL on August 16, 2023
Towson University’s Hill-Lopes Scholars Program received the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). TU will be featured, along with 79 other recipients across the country, in the September 2023 issue.
“The Hill-Lopes Scholars Program is a shining example of Towson University’s commitment to having diversity, equity and inclusion at the core of academic opportunities,” says Melanie Perreault, interim president. “This community for undergraduate women in STEM provides our students many opportunities to explore, discover and foster passions that will launch their future careers. We are especially grateful for the generosity of our founding donors, Barbara Hill and Ancelmo Lopes, who help fuel this program and ensure its success.”
Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research and successful programs and initiatives.
“I’m so excited for this recognition because it affirms our passion for improving the advancement and retention of women in the STEM workforce,” says Kristin Pinkowski, Hill-Lopes Scholars Program coordinator. “By providing these talented women and scholars opportunities to develop their professional skills and portfolios, we hope we can diversify career pipelines and encourage more women to incorporate STEM into their future careers.”
The Hill-Lopes Scholars Program helps participants become part of a community of peers that share similar passions, where they’re free to explore STEM fields guided by world-class faculty. It provides professional development courses, research experiences and one-to-one mentorship so each scholar receives the academic and professional skills they need to succeed in today’s STEM workforce. The program also eliminates some financial barriers by giving each student a stipend every semester and financial support to attend professional scientific meetings and participate in career-building conferences and workshops.
“We know many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
For more information about the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.