Chemeketa
Chemeketa Community College has been awarded a $199,994 grant from the National Science Foundation to increase participation and success of underrepresented students in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics). With support from the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program), the two-year project will combine a STEM-focused faculty community of practice with student support strategies
In Oregon, there is a current demand for STEM professionals, yet there exists a significant gap in STEM college course participation by both students who are Hispanic and/or women. The project aims to test strategies to reduce the degree attainment gap existing between Latinx and non-Latinx White students and the gap existing between female and male students.
The project will combine professional development and student services to increase culturally responsive education and to test theories of student support in a community college. This project will connect students with STEM faculty, provide student scholarships and mentors, and test a faculty workshop series to improve inclusive teaching practices. The expected outcomes include an increase in the number of women and students of color pursuing and attaining degrees in STEM fields.
A cohort of approximately 25 “STEM Scholars” will be formed in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years. These will be first-year students at Chemeketa who are pursuing STEM programs. STEM Scholars will participate in activities throughout the year designed to help them connect with other STEM students and STEM faculty, explore career and transfer opportunities in STEM, and receive support in relation to thriving in STEM programs and classes. In addition to participating in the cohort, the STEM scholars will receive scholarship support in the amount of $1,000. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2021-22 STEM Scholar cohort. Interested students can download the application at https://forms.gle/DUvyJwoC9wbRfeS7.
