WASHINGTON — Howard University’s Karsh STEM Scholars Program has received the 2025 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the largest and oldest academic excellence and belonging publication in higher education. The STEM Award is a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that encourage and support the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented students into all STEM fields. These include, but are not limited to, science and research fields, technology, engineering, and all math fields. Howard University will be featured along with 51 other recipients in the June 2025 issue. 

“We are honored to again be chosen as an inspiring program in STEM. The Karsh STEM Scholars program is a signature initiative at Howard University. Each year we attract some of the nation’s most intellectually curious and committed students,” said Ronald H. Smith, executive director for the Karsh STEM Scholars Program. “To be recognized by Insight Into Academia magazine signifies that the hard work and dedication to preparing the next generation of STEM leaders from Howard is being celebrated.” 

The purpose of the program is to address the need for more African American and other minorities to diversify the STEM community. The Karsh STEM Scholars Program focuses on the identification of intellectually gifted and academically well-prepared students who are interested in the pursuit of a doctorate in a STEM discipline or a combined M.D./Ph.D. Each year, the Karsh STEM Scholars Program attracts hundreds of competitive high school students who are interested in beginning their STEM careers at Howard University. Scholars selected for the program are awarded a scholarship for tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, and an allowance for books associated with attending the university. The program aims to challenge students, through rigorous coursework and preparation, to live, prosper and contribute to a world that is increasingly diverse and global in nature. 

“We know that STEM programs are not always recognized for their dedication to access and belonging,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor these college, university, and industry STEM programs as role models for other institutions of higher education.” 

A call for nominations for this award was announced in December 2024. 

For more information about the 2025 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.  

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