Preparing Community College Students in STEM for Successful Transfer to 4-year Institutions

Dawn Cummings and Kimberly Gottfredsen, Community College of Denver; Dana Holland Zahner E&ER @ CU Boulder.

"The Academic and Career Experience (ACE) Scholarship Program at the Community College of Denver (CCD), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF S-STEM), was designed to support academically talented, low-income students pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, connections to internships, cohort support, plus 4-year institution and career exploration to enhance student success and transfer readiness to four-year institutions. 

Since fall semester 2021, the ACE program has sponsored 40+ STEM students at CCD. Eight first generation ACE scholars were interviewed twice, once at the start of their participation in the program and once after they transferred.  Overall, the results indicate that the ACE program did increase student readiness for transfer, however, remaining challenges were identified, such as continued financial strain and a lack of support after transfer.

This poster presents the program components, outcomes, and lessons learned from implementing a student-centered approach to STEM education, with a focus on first generation students. The results underscore the critical role of mentorship, community, and financial support in preparing community college students for successful transfer in STEM disciplines."

https://www.ccd.edu/directory/dawn-r-cummings

View the full poster in pdf format.