About the IINSPIRE Alliance

The Iowa Illinois Nebraska STEM Partnership for Innovation in Research and Education (IINSPIRE) program is an NSF-funded alliance among 16 two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the Midwest. Institutions in the alliance are working together to support undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields so as to develop a robust STEM workforce serving the region and nation. The alliance uses high-impact, evidence-based practices to increase STEM student success through research experiences, training, mentoring, professional development, and academic support.

The institutions in the alliance are: Augustana College (Illinois), Des Moines Area Community College, Doane University, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Grinnell College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa State University, Iowa Valley Community College District, Kirkwood Community College, Little Priest Tribal College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Upper Iowa University, and Wartburg College. All institutions have been members of the alliance since it was formed in 2011.

The alliance promotes proven and innovative strategies such as bridge programs, transfer pathways, student research opportunities, mentorship, student-centered support, faculty interaction, and partnerships within and across institutions. The alliance emphasizes campus-specific student experiences that leverage resources and programs at an institution and in the alliance. 

For more information, visit our IINSPIRE Alliance website.

IINSPIRE logo

About ISU IINSPIRE

ISU IINSPIRE offers research and professional development experiences for STEM undergraduate students through campus and alliance activities. Activities include funded research experiences during the summer and academic year, research and peer mentoring, professional development, seminars, conference opportunities, and career preparation as part of a community of scholars and mentors. The program provides information about emerging technologies and fields, graduate school, and related opportunities at Iowa State, such as the McNair Program. 

ISU IINSPIRE Student Experience

  • Information and Guidance: During the academic year, ISU IINSPIRE offers informational meetings, seminars, and guidance for students interested in applying to and participating in the program.
  • Undergraduate Research: Eligible students may apply for funding for mentored undergraduate research experiences during the summer and/or academic year. Students selected to participate in the ISU IINSPIRE undergraduate research program are named IINSPIRE Scholars.
  • Summer Program: The IINSPIRE summer program includes a set of required activities for the cohort of IINSPIRE Scholars in addition to performing research under the guidance of a faculty research mentor. Scholars participate in an introduction to research seminar, research skills training, mentorship education, and community building. The summer program concludes with a poster symposium and presentations by all scholars.
  • Other Funding: An IINSPIRE Scholar may apply for funding to attend a professional conference and/or purchase research supplies.
  • Annual Conference: The IINSPIRE Alliance holds an annual conference, which brings together undergraduate students from all alliance institutions to present their research, network with students and alumni, learn about opportunities, expand their knowledge and interests in new areas, and engage in professional development.
  • Opportunities and Resources: IINSPIRE Scholars have access to a program advisor, peer mentors, leadership opportunities, and opportunities through partner programs and ISU resources.
  • Success: Through the ISU IINSPIRE student experience and its focus on supporting an in-depth early research experience, IINSPIRE scholars are better prepared for success -- in their academic majors, in opportunities such as the ISU McNair Program, communicating about their accomplishments, applying to other REU programs at ISU and nationally, applying to graduate school, and entering the STEM workforce.