Investigating and Fostering
STEM Entrepreneurship Among Undergraduate Students From A Variety of Geographic Backgrounds (STEM-RAEE)

The STEM-RAEE project is a five-year, NSF-funded initiative designed to explore and promote entrepreneurial mindsets among undergraduate STEM students from a variety of geographic backgrounds. 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, as well as foster innovation and contribute to economic growth through entrepreneurship. The project conducts national surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gain insights into the entrepreneurial motivations, barriers, and innovative potential of undergraduate STEM students.

The project focuses on providing training and seed funding to undergraduate students at Tennessee State University, Hampton University, and Vanderbilt University who demonstrate interest in entrepreneurship, commitment to the program, and potential for innovation.

For questions, contact Dr. Ebony McGee ebony.mcgee@jhu.edu

Provisional Training Schedule

2025 Training:

Virtual Training: Eight 90-minute sessions held twice a week.
In-Person Training: 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 to discover and draw inspiration from musical innovators.

2026–2027 Training:

To be determined

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.

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.

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.

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.

Investigating and Fostering STEM Entrepreneurship Among Undergraduate Students From A Variety of Geographic Backgrounds (STEM-RAEE)