With the rise in the number of engineering positions in the workforce, and the decrease of graduates to fill those positions, institutions of higher education have to rethink their recruiting efforts to attract top notched students within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In 2005, the National Science Foundation awarded the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville a STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) grant to engage students in STEM disciplines. A key focus of this grant is to provide summer research opportunities (May-mester) for community college students partnering with faculty and graduate students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). To date, 129 students have participated in this summer research program with 42 students having successfully transferred to TAMUK to pursue undergraduate degrees in STEM fields. More students are expected to transfer in the next couple of years as they graduate from community colleges. This paper highlights successes and challenges of this program. The Maymester research experience impacts favorably the students' decision to become an engineering, a science, or a math major, increases students' confidence and motivation to pursue higher academic degrees, and gives students opportunities for leadership roles in professional organizations. The TAMUK-STEP model for student success and persistence can be used as a base for similar initiatives at any higher education institution.
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