The LINC Story
What we find is that if you have a goal that is very, very far out, and you approach it in little steps, you start to get there faster. Your mind opens up to the possibilities. Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/mae-jemison-quotes
OVERVIEW
Langston’ Integrated Network College (LINC) was created in 2003 with the support of a National Science Foundation grant of$2.6M as well as the support of Langston University’s community of staff and faculty. It has emerged as a training ground and showcase for Langston’s scholars in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. Since its inception, the LINC program has garnered recognition for its development of STEM scholars that have excelled on a national stage. As importantly, the number who enter and complete STEM degrees has increased, as has the number that entered and completed advanced degrees in STEM.
LINC is the brainchild of Langston Chemistry Professor and Department chair, John K. Coleman, PhD, whose philosophy for learning includes an unyielding belief in such age-old adages as start where you are, use what you have, expect excellence, and learn the basics – reading and math. It was the climate of collaboration at Langston that made the creation of LINC possible.
Langston had over fourteen (14) pre-college programs, at least five (5) Langston-based programs, and more that twelve (12) external partners that had attributes that could contribute to a network of support for scholars interested in, and capable of excellence in, STEM disciplines. The expectation of excellence and support among STEM staff; Langston’s hard-wired, existing programs; and the NSF HBCU-UP’s vision and support – properly integrated – resulted in LINC.
Financial scholarships are a necessity for students from humble financial backgrounds; most are not experienced at finding resources because pursuing higher education is not naturally embedded in their culture. Mentoring and Tutoring are critical to broadening students’ personal horizons and possibilities, introducing them to STEM careers, and serving as role models. Research equipment that exposed students to the reality of research, research experiences that permitted them to experience success in the area, partners that provided venues for these experiences, and funding that made travel to these venues possible, were critical.
LESSONS LEARNED
Lessons learned during the course of the first LINC program (2003-2007), combined with the launch of new technologies, resulted in two new programs that have significantly impacted teaching and learning (Competency Performance Recordings for Learning – CPRL), and internal and external communications (STEM Digital Village – SDV).
Participation in the LINC project is the doorway for students to become involved in impressive research internships at various universities and research organizations nationwide. Students leverage their research experiences to gain entry into competitive research presentations at events that include the highly competitive Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference and the equally competitive Beta Kappa Chi and National Institute of Science (NISBKX) Joint Meeting. Langston’s LINC scholars hold their own among presenters from other HBCU’s and comprehensive universities that include University of California at Los Angeles, University of Arizona, Alabama State University, St. Johns University, and John Hopkins School of Medicine.
During the course of the LINC project, the number of STEM majors increased by 600% compared to the pre-LINC period. The number of Chemistry graduates increased by 151%, and the number of Biology graduates increased by 23%.
The LINC project has been supported through four (4) Langston University presidents, and still endures. We believe that its endurance can be attributed to the university’s support of its mission, the intense collaboration, and results that continue to benefit LINC scholars and the nation.