Team-Up Together Project

RIT's School of Physics and Astronomy has been selected for the TEAM-UP Together Expanding eXpertise, Championing Excellence and Leadership (TUT EXCEL) program, empowering the success of underrepresented BS physics and astronomy students through leadership development, community building, academic and research mentoring, while enhancing networking opportunities to foster the next influential voices in physics and astronomy.

Empowering Success of Underrepresented Students in Physics: A Transformative Initiative

TEAM-UP Together, a national collective action initiative led by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), and the Society of Physics Students (SPS) funds this two-year initiative designed to foster the academic and professional growth of undergraduate physics students. This comprehensive program aims to create a supportive and empowering environment, providing essential resources and opportunities for success.

While open to all students, the program has a particular emphasis on supporting Black students, as there continues to be challenges increasing the number of Black students completing physics bachelor's degrees in the United States. By providing comprehensive support, the program seeks to drive successful graduation outcomes for this underrepresented demographic.

Key elements of the program at RIT include:

1. Leadership Development
   Funding to empower and develop student leaders and assistant leaders in community building, fostering a strong sense of belonging and peer support.
2. Peer Mentorship and Academic Support
   Development of students as academic peer mentors through funded Learning Assistantships (LAs).
3. Research Exposure and Networking
   Funding for travel opportunities, enabling students to attend and present their research at conferences and professional meetings, expanding their networks and gaining valuable experience.
4. Community Building and Representation
   Supported attendance for students at relevant national conferences such as the National Society of Black Physicists Conference, promoting a sense of community and representation within the field.
5. Experiential Learning and Exploration
   Organized and funded trips for cohorts of physics students to visit national or academic research labs or diverse institutions of higher education, broadening their horizons and exposure to various research environments.
6. Inspirational Speakers
   Inviting promising external speakers to share their experiences and insights, providing honoraria to support their participation.
7. Program Evaluation
   Continuous assessment of the program's efficacy by an external evaluator, ensuring its impact and identifying areas for improvement.

Through this comprehensive approach, the program aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and a strong sense of community among underrepresented physics students at RIT College of Science.