To recruit and retain students interested in obtaining a STEM degree while helping students gain skills and study habits required to complete a STEM program.
To improve the number of underepresented students pursuing and completing a STEM degree.
The program targeted recent graduates. Particpants were enrolled in MAT151 and CPD115, and connected with academic support services such as tutoring, along with STEM workshops. In both courses, students were introduced to the modeling method and journaling, which are common practices that will be used in future EMCC STEM courses. Facilitated group tutoring provided content and academic support while building necessary skills early. STEM workshops helped to inspire students.
Of the 12 students that particpated in this program: 83% passed MAT151 with a C or better. 100% passed CPD115 with a C or better. 100% of the students completed the program. 100% of the students enrolled in Fall 2019 college courses. Participants said "the group tutoring sessions were extremely helpful and listening to speakers helped her realize that there is always another step or level of education she can achieve and that it’s OK to go for your dreams".
The program was held during a five week summer session. Twelve students met Monday through Thursday for Math 151 College Algebra/Functions, followed by one hour of tutoring. Students also met Monday through Wednesday for CPD115, Creating College Success in STEM. Every Thursday, students had the opportunity to partake in hands-on STEM workshops and programs, meet current and/or former STEM students, meet with different community professionals to explore the different careers in STEM, and learn about the different supportive programs, such as undergraduate internships.
Students were required to attend set mandatory tutoring times. Students would collaboratively work on classroom assignments while solving problems, engaging each others' process, and checking for understanding of content. The purpose of this time was to show students the importance of a dedicated focused study time when taking STEM courses. It also reinforced the idea of Communities of Learning, were if one surrounds themselves with other students on a similar educational journey, so they are more likely to be successful.
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Comments
Chris,
Thank you for taking time to document this. I was happy to be part of this summer bridge program as their instructor. The mandatory tutoring was INCREDIBLY helpful for me because these students came in very underprepared with their math prior knowledge. You and the tutors were an asset in helping me fill the gaps in their prior knowledge so that they can be successful in this class.