Investigating and Fostering STEM Entrepreneurship Among Racially Minoritized Undergraduate Students (STEM-RAEE)

The STEM-RAEE project is a five-year, NSF-funded initiative designed to explore and promote entrepreneurial mindsets among racially minoritized undergraduate STEM students. Led by Dr. Ebony McGee (Johns Hopkins University) in collaboration with Dr. Toney Susanne (Hampton University), Dr. Rich Milner (Vanderbilt University), and Dr. ZaDarreyal Wiggins (Tennessee State University), the project aims to understand entrepreneurial motivations, barriers, and attitudes of students. The project will conduct national surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gain insights into the entrepreneurial motivations and barriers faced by undergraduate STEM students.

The project runs from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2028, and focuses on providing training and seed funding to Black undergraduate students at Tennessee State University, Hampton University, and Vanderbilt University.

Ready to take the first step toward your entrepreneurial future?
Please complete our survey by using this link: https://wkf.ms/3Bh5CBo
For questions, contact dtayl153@jh.edu.

2025 Training:

Virtual Training (March–April 2025): Eight 90-minute sessions held twice a week.
In-Person Training (May 14–16, 2025): Held at Vanderbilt University’s Wond’ry Innovation Center, featuring guest lectures, patent workshops, funding fairs, and a Video Testimonial Contest. Students will also visit the African American Music Museum.

2026–2027 Training:

In-Person Training: Takes place annually in May, tentatively during the third week (Wednesday to Friday). Dates for 2026 (May 20–22) and 2027 (May 19–21) are subject to confirmation.

2027-2028 Training:

To be determined

Selection Criteria:

Participation in the university-specific survey.
Enrollment at Tennessee State University, Hampton University, or Vanderbilt University.
Submission of a half-page synopsis on STEM entrepreneurial motivations (used for data collection and preparation for the summer summit).
Commitment to attend all virtual and in-person training sessions.
Willingness to participate in focus groups and follow-up interviews/surveys.

2025 Training Details:

Virtual Training: Eight 90-minute sessions held on Saturdays from March to April 2025.
In-Person Training: May 14–16, 2025, at the Wond’ry (Vanderbilt University).
Travel and housing expenses will be covered for students requiring accommodation.

Awards and Incentives:

Annual Stipend: $1,000 (distributed in two installments: after virtual training and after the in-person summit).
Exit Compensation: $100 for students leaving higher education upon completing an exit survey and interview.
Venture Funding: Select participants in their third year will receive $5,000 to advance their entrepreneurial ventures.

2026 and 2027 Training (Estimated Dates):

2026: May 20–22 (Wednesday to Friday).
2027: May 19–21 (Wednesday to Friday).

Project Documentation – Video Creation

To enhance accessibility and engagement, the STEM-RAEE team will record in-person training sessions. A videographer, working alongside the curriculum specialist, will document key elements of the sessions. This footage will be edited into modular, self-paced video content for students. These videos will highlight critical topics, hands-on activities, and student testimonials, ensuring the material remains relevant and accessible for future participants.

The video-based learning guide will feature:

Step-by-step instructional content on robotics, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Guest lectures and expert-led workshops.
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of students working on projects and engaging in community-driven activities.