i-Trek (“I Turn Research Into Empowerment and Knowledge”)

rder to address the lack of diversity among STEM degree recipients (science, technology, engineering and math), i-Trek (I Turn Research into Empowerment and Knowledge) has developed a platform that aims to provide underserved and underrepresented students with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in STEM undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The underrepresented and underserved communities include students of lower income, women, and minorities who often face obstacles in obtaining equal support or access to the resources required for success in STEM. It is through community outreach and the Trek Mentorship Program that i-Trek aims to encourage a high level of interest in STEM and create a pipeline for increased participation in those areas of study.

The organization provides research funding and mentorship for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly those at smaller colleges who might not otherwise have such opportunities. I-Trek received a $10,000 educational challenge grant through the course.

During 2013, the core founding team of 15 multi-state individuals collaborated on the concept for the organization, i-Trek. Now, with the addition of several newly interested volunteers, we’ve rapidly grown to an organization of curious, passionate and committed individuals who share the vision of matching students with opportunities outside the classroom and supporting them in achieving their full potential. The team comprises several MIT Graduate students, a University of Illinois Graduate Student, working professionals and retirees with a wide range of skills and experiences. Their interest and expertise lends itself to a diverse thought leadership that will bring the resources and the outreach opportunities to steer students into various Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and associated fields of study.

There is no doubt that STEM outreach is gaining traction; i-Trek has already been featured on a radio show and has exhibited at multiple college fairs and expos, all within its first few months of existence. We are excited because the pilot “Trek”, which was launched during the summer of 2014 in Key Largo, Florida was very successful. Continue to follow our progress as we work toward our mission to empower underserved and/or underrepresented high school and college students by providing opportunities and resources for them to gain critical thinking skills, experiential knowledge and the experiences necessary to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the STEM fields.