About
The objectives of this dissemination project are:
- to develop media presentations in the form of educational videos that educates the public and college students about the pathway to a STEM baccalaureate degree from two-year colleges;
- develop a STEM Pathway: Transfer Student Guide (TSG) for prospective students attending two-year colleges that educates students about the transfer process; and
- to develop a web site that will be used to disseminate educational resources to educators (two- and four-year institutions), academic counselors/advisors, Transfer Center coordinators, students in two-year colleges, business and industry, researchers, policymakers, and the public.
The significance of this work comes in the understanding that community colleges enroll a significant number of women and ethnic minorities in American higher education. Over one half of all students enrolled in American higher education attend community colleges. These institutions play a prominent role in the educational experiences of college students. In particular, the transfer function in community colleges provides the vehicle to prepare pre-STEM majors in providing the first two-year of a general education prior to transferring to a four-year college or university.
This project will impact a diverse audience including community college administrators, faculty, academic counseling, retention coordinators, other college personnel, and students. Additionally, the products from this project will also have an impact on high school teachers in educating them about the role and function of community colleges in serving as a viable pathway to a STEM bachelor's degree for students. The organizations that will be involved will include 2- and 4-year colleges and business and industry. The dissemination project will provide valuable resources for a diverse audience and will increase understanding of women and minorities in community colleges and the factors that influence or impede students' self-concept, educational aspirations, and academic preparation to pursue a pre-STEM emphasis in the community college and to be "transfer ready" to pursue a STEM bachelor's degree.
Iowa State UniversityDepartment of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
College of Human Sciences
Frankie Santos Laanan
laanan@iastate.edu