Learning Communities

Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment 

The Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE) is an interdisciplinary living-learning program focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Supported by a consortium of seven colleges, RISE provides first-year students at Michigan State University with the resources to successfully transition from high school to university academic life. Beyond their first year, many RISE participants are engaged in undergraduate research, hands-on projects, and co-curricular initiatives in which they can explore their interests within a supportive community of students, faculty and staff with shared values. 

Interested in RISE? Check out their Future Students page for information about applying and visiting opportunities. 

Drew Science Scholars 

The mission of the Charles Drew Science Scholars program is to support the all-around successful college experience of its students. Services encircle students in support following a comprehensive format through the Drew student Circle of Support. The benefits of academic advising, academic coaching, career advising & resources, and the living & learning community compel students to demonstrate the program's three pillars: Academic Achievement, Career Exploration & Preparation, and Community Engagement & Service. 

The role of Drew Scholars is to provide academic assistance and support for academically talented undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the College of Natural Science (NatSci) at Michigan State University. These degrees include the biological sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. Drew Scholars also supports students on the pre-professional (pre-dentistry, pre-medical, and pre-veterinary) curricula path.  Program emphasis has been on students from groups historically underrepresented in science and mathematics fields. However, Drew Scholars is an inclusive multicultural and multi-racial community of science students that continues to pursue the goal of "Transforming the Face of Science" to address the nation's challenge of diversifying the STEM talent pool and workforce. 

Interested in Drew Scholars? Check out their Future Students page for information about applying and visiting opportunities. 

Dow STEM Scholars 

The Dow STEM Scholars Program provides academic and social support services to incoming MSU students (US Residents-Only), who want to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) major and place into Intermediate College Algebra & Trigonometry – Math 103A on the MSU Math Placement Exam. The Dow STEM Scholars Program focuses on assisting students’ transition into college and develop the skills needed to pursue a STEM degree. The program gives students with academic potential the opportunity to surround themselves with a positive group of fellow Spartans who are motivated to earn a STEM degree. Participation in the Dow STEM Scholars Program is free. 

Interested in Dow STEM Scholars? Check out their How to Join page for information about applying and which majors they support.