This project will help give 10 community college students access to professional pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through participation in student-professional organizations. Participation in these organizations improves student education and outcomes by providing experience, leadership skills, networking opportunities, professional development, and academic development.
This project will address the lack of professional networking opportunities in community college with other students of similar educational and cultural backgrounds. As well, it will help ameliorate other inadequate career supports in community college, such as lack of access to STEM professionals and career opportunities, inadequate awareness about key tools and strategies for career pathways and/or research experiences, and absence of peer mentoring.
By developing both academic and professional skills through participating in community college chapters of professional societies, this group of 10 students will build and strengthen their network in the underrepresented STEM community; share and explore common academic journeys, challenges, successes, and goals; develop confidence and leadership skills; and cultivate purpose, focus, and determination.
Through professional society engagement, students will have the opportunity to increase their long-term career opportunities and garner important professional experience by participating in and seeding professional societies in community college campuses around the state.
