Four Michigan universities—U-M, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University—will come together 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 23 to kick off a partnership in the Michigan-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program (LSAMP).

The MI-LSAMP is a comprehensive initiative designed to substantially increase the number of underrepresented minority students pursuing baccalaureate degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The 5-year, $5 million dollar initiative is underwritten in equal parts by the National Science Foundation and the four alliance institutions.

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman, the principal investigator of the MI-LSAMP, and leaders from all four institutions will give remarks from 11:15-11:45 a.m. during the event at the U-M Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave. (Orchestra Place), in Detroit.

A reception and exhibit of student projects will follow the program.

The public is welcome, but RSVP is requested to: LSAMPRSVP@umich.edu.

For more details and directions, visit: www.umich.edu/pres/lsamp.pdf.