Jackson State University (JSU)'s Center of Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (CESTEME).

摘要

Center of Excellence (CoE) in STEM Education was established through a partnership between Jackson State University (JSU), Hinds Community College (HCC) and Jackson Public School District (JPSD). Its overarching goal was to develop a STEM pipeline program that will: 1) enhance the STEM academic infrastructure, and 2) mentor students to pursue careers and advanced degrees in STEM disciplines of relevance to the DoD mission. To achieve these goals, important strategic activities (after school tutoring, Saturday academies, summer bridge and summer immersion programs) were implemented to effectively train K-12 students, enhance their skills and readiness and facilitate their transition into rigorous STEM programs in College. Undergraduate students were engaged in mentoring, tutoring and career development, yearlong research, laboratory rotation and internship activities that sharpened their skills and promoted their progression through the STEM pipeline. Overall, the program made a tremendous impact on STEM education. 100% of the 25 K-12 DoD fellows graduated in the top 10% of their class, and are now pursuing STEM degrees in college. Over 80 other K-12 students participated in our Summer Bridge Program and more that 70% chose to pursuit STEM majors. Thirteen of the 16 DOD Scholars from JSU graduated in 4 years. 61% of graduates are now enrolled in graduate schools pursuing MS or doctorate degrees. Eleven of the 18 HCC DoD Scholars transitioned in BS degree programs. Math, Biology, and Physics courses were redesigned to strengthen our 2+2 articulation agreements with HCC. Both education and research infrastructure were enhanced, and leverage from the DoD-CoE also helped JSU to obtain a new grant from DoEd under the First in the World Program, to implement new strategies to improve teaching and learning in STEM.