The Envoy Program seeks to increase access and interest in STEM at CWRU for underrepresented students from the Cleveland and East Cleveland public schools.
Envoys is an immersive high school STEM education, training and college preparatory program.
- 3 years and 3 summers (grades 10 – 12) of progressive and intensive research, mentorship and STEM coursework offered free of charge
- Coursework in chemistry, physics, math, engineering design and polymer science
- Real world laboratory research under the guidance of a graduate student mentor
- Wrap-around supports – industry mentors, leadership classes, tutoring and college ready workshops
- An annual stipend to keep Envoys from having to work part-time
- 1,400+ hours of individualized instruction above the normal high school curriculum
The ENVOYS program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation through the CLiPS Center, with additional support from the United Black Fund of Cleveland and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.
The program has exceeded expectations
- 69 students enrolled
- 91% are African American and/or Hispanic
- 100% of graduating Envoys have matriculated to college
- 10 Envoys matriculated to CWRU specifically
- 88% of graduates pursuing a career in STEM fields
Testimonials
Said by Taneisha Deans, Envoys Class of 2008: “Until I became an Envoy, I never envisioned myself going for a PhD. Throughout my time in the program I was always encouraged by the CLiPS faculty and staff to go beyond what was normally expected from a CMSD student. Now, as a PhD candidate in Macro, I get to give back to the program by being a mentor to an Envoy student and also by contributing to the CWRU community as a whole.” Taneisha earned her BS in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at CWRU in 2012 and is currently a PhD candidate in Polymer Science (2017 expected).
Said by an Envoy at MC2STEM High School: “My graduate mentor has become a role model for me. He has taught me so much academically and about responsibility. His instruction in the lab has made my love for science enlarge even further and made me want to pursue research in college.”
Said by an Envoy at Shaw High School: “I have learned the importance of time management, presentation, and how it feels to work in a lab. I have developed my presentation and communication skills. Starting the Envoys program, I was very anti-social and had no idea how I would be able to present something. But now I can say the program has helped me with that and in the learning field.”
Said by an Envoys parent: “The leadership, personal and professional assistance that my son received has provided him with an educational future exceeding anything we could ask or think.”
Said by an Envoys graduate student mentor: “Since the beginning of the program, my [mentee’s] writing and communication skills have increased dramatically. This was the area that she struggled with the most. She has done an excellent job the last couple times she has presented in front of her peers.”