Advancing STEM through Innovation in Recruitment and Retention

Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids MN

Investigators

Abstract

This project increases the number of STEM graduates by utilizing and expanding the institution's proven recruiting and retention strategies. Over the course of the project 4000+ high school students will be exposed to STEM careers through high school design competitions, on and off-site visits, faculty mentoring, Technology Days, Engineering Days, summer engineering camps, and through one-on-one follow-up. Once recruited, engineering students enter a program that provides them with an environment conducive to success. Each student has a personal "academic coach" who meets with him or her weekly, maintains a weekly dialogue, and actively tracks progress. Students are exposed to design early and often. Student activities include weekly social events with their cohort and visits at up to 7 regional universities per year. The project will produce approximately 500 new baccalaureate STEM graduates over the course of the grant period.