Louis Stokes: CIMA Program

About CIMA

Ciencia, Ingeniería, y Matemáticas Aliados (CIMA) is an alliance within the Alamo Colleges’ District, established in 2013 and funded by the National Science Foundation, to support students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). CIMA is comprised of five of the Alamo Colleges: San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College and St. Philip's College as the lead institution. The program’s mission is to enhance student success in STEM fields by providing academic support, research opportunities, and professional development.

In achieve this mission, CIMA offers a variety of initiatives, including peer mentorship, faculty mentorship, tutoring, supplemental instruction, STEM student incubator and undergraduate research experiences.

About Louis Stokes

CIMA is inspired by the legacy of Congressman Louis Stokes, who was a strong advocate for education, scientific advancement, and expanding opportunities in STEM fields. His contributions helped shape policies that continue to support students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Read more about Louis Stokes Biography

CIMA Applications

CIMA is now accepting applications for our Undergraduate Research Program. If you are a student that is interested in this opportunity, please apply today! Students with declared majors in a STEM (Science. Technology, Engineering, Math) related field are eligible to participate in the program. Pre-professional Medical and Nursing majors are not eligible to participate.

Summer Research Application

Fall & Spring Research Application

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

"This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1712626. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF)."

Opportunities

The CIMA Program Office encourages STEM students to seek out research and internship opportunities. Find out what opportunities this program has to offer.

Learn more

Academic Support

Services Offered by CIMA

Tutoring Services

Our CIMA tutors specialize in assisting STEM students in gatekeeper courses like; Pre-calculus, Calculus I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Engineering, and more.

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Academic Support Center

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    The Science Tutoring & Advocacy Center

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Tutoring Services

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Tutoring Services

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

  • Tutoring:
    For more info, visit:
    Byrd Sanctuary

    Specialized Tutorial Assistance:
    CIMA Supplement Instructor (SI) sessions are a specialized tutoring program that use peer-led study sessions. Those regularly scheduled review sessions allow students to compare notes, discuss readings, and develop organizational tools. Students also prepare for tests by learning how to integrate course content, study skills, all while building valuable peer relationships. 

Peer Mentor

The CIMA Peer Mentors are here to help you achieve academic success.

What is a Peer Mentor?

  • An experienced guide and role model to help you navigate easily through your college experience.
  • A trusted ally who provides advice, support, and information with your personal, academic, and social situations.

What are some of the benefits of having a Peer Mentor? 

  • Boosting confidence and self-esteem
  • Strengthening your academic skills 
  • Helping you gain professional development (training, guest speakers, teambuilding, etc.)
  • One-on-One sessions 

Peer Mentor can help you with:

  • Information and encouragement on STEM academic achievements
  • Information on campus resources and opportunities
  • Setting future goals
  • Understanding your degree plan and the courses required

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Participate?

Any student who intends to major in a STEM major can take advantage of our tutoring services. Any first time in college student who intends to major in a STEM major can apply to become a mentee.

How do I apply for the Undergraduate research program?

Apply through our online application. Look for the application button on our page.

What are the eligible STEM subjects?

Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Research, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, General Science, Geology, and Mathematics

Do I have to be 18 years or older to apply for the CIMA Program?

Yes.

Do I have to be enrolled at Alamo Colleges to apply for the CIMA Program?

Yes, you must be enrolled as a student in one of the five Alamo Colleges for the upcoming Fall and Spring semester. 

Can Early College Academy students apply?

We are unable to accept applications from any Early College Academy/Dual Credit students at this time.

Contact Us

Principal Investigator: Randall Dawson

Vice President for Academic Success

210-486-2276

St. Philip's College: Executive Cabinet

Mary Kelaita, PhD

CIMA Coordinator

210-486-2679

St. Philip's College Natural Sciences Dept.

Marsha Adrian

Co-Principal Investigator

210-486-5340

Northeast Lakeview College Chemistry

Yvette Uresti

Co-Principal Investigator

210-486-4320

Northwest Vista College Mathematics

Usha Gururajarao

Co-Principal Investigator

210-486-3372

Palo Alto College Natural & Physical Sciences

Henry Griffith, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator

210-486-1305

San Antonio College Mathematics, Architecture, Physics and Engineering Dept.