The “I Want to STEM!” initiative at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA) is a powerful example of a program effectively tackling the achievement gap in STEM fields for under-resourced and minoritized students.
The 2-year program, run by the College of Sciences and Mathematics Center for STEM Inclusion, (PI, ⭐ Dr. Brandon Mitchell ⭐ ) is a critical part of WCUPA’s larger “Moon Shot for Equity” goal of removing barriers to student success by 2030. Funded by a $716,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) grant, this initiative has served over 2000 students in its two years of operation.
Here are some key takeaways from our recently concluded external evaluation of the program:
● High Student Engagement: Students enthusiastically participated in a wide range of activities, including Super Science Saturdays, summer research programs, and workshops focused on specific STEM areas like nano science and coding.
● Positive Student Feedback: Students consistently reported positive experiences. They found the hands-on activities engaging and felt they gained valuable skills, and many expressed a newfound or strengthened interest in pursuing STEM careers.
For example, one high school student participant shared, “The hands-on activities were amazing! I learned so much about nanoscience and can’t wait to explore more. Seeing students like me learning STEM is very inspiring. I have no one in my family with a science degree. I think I will be the first!”
● Successful Mentorship: The program facilitated meaningful mentoring relationships between students, undergraduate students, faculty members, and even industry professionals.
Faculty mentors were impressed by the students’ motivation and abilities. For instance, a faculty mentor commented, “The students were incredibly motivated and showed great potential. It was a pleasure to mentor them. I hope to see some of them at WCUPA one day! The future of STEM is bright.”
● Efficacy on Career Aspirations: The program successfully broadened students’ understanding of STEM careers and provided them with pathways to pursue those careers. Students engaged in real-world research projects and interacted with industry professionals, offering them a glimpse into potential future career paths.
To learn more about the “I Want to STEM!” initiative and the impact of faculty mentoring in STEM education, you can now listen to an 11-minute podcast (made possible by NotebookML).
Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e7feRY6H
