Phase II: Evolutionary STEM Advancement

College Of The Menominee Nation, Keshena WI

Investigators

Abstract

College of Menominee Nation, a tribal college located in Keshena, WI, has successfully completed the objectives and strategies of its Phase I: STEM Curriculum Enhancement Project. The College proposes to continue the expansion and growth of its STEM programming and curriculum through a Phase II: Evolutionary STEM Advancement Project. NSF funding will allow College of Menominee Nation to continue contributing to both the significant broader impacts of Tribal College STEM achievements as well as to the support and critical promotion of Native Americans in STEM employment fields CMN?s Phase II goal is: To continue to strengthen and build CMN?s capacity to provide competitive STEM programming and services. Anticipated Phase II impacts include 1.) Increasing the number of underrepresented STEM majors; 2.) Increasing STEM student retention; 3.) Increasing the number of underrepresented STEM graduates; 4.) Increasing the number of underrepresented students who enroll in baccalaureate degree granting institutions; and 5.) Increasing the number of underrepresented minorities entering the STEM workforce. Phase II objectives and strategies build upon the sturdy foundation of Phase I successes and follow a natural progression of development. The objectives and strategies are as follows: 1. Objective One: To advance existing STEM programs revised, expanded or developed in Phase I. Strategies include developing and implementing advanced STEM courses in mathematics and science, continue developing the Materials Science Program linked to Menominee expertise in forests, expanding faculty and student STEM resources available at CMN, and further integrating technology into STEM courses. 2. Objective Two: To increase faculty capacity through advanced degree support for two faculty members and general professional development for STEM faculty. Strategies include supporting one faculty member in earning a Master?s degree, supporting another in earning a doctorate, and supporting general professional development of STEM faculty. 3. Objective Three: To develop and implement additional STEM student research, internships, and exposure opportunities. Strategies include developing and implementing student research and internship activities, supporting a student exchange program with Belize, and supporting student travel to major research labs and key STEM association meetings. 4. Objective Four: To continue to provide and expand demonstrated successful STEM student support activities. Strategies include supporting a STEM student advisor, supporting STEM tutors, supporting the STEM scholars program and developing the STEM honors program.