Central Piedmont Community College will begin hosting a virtual STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Prep, an academic enrichment program that helps prepare current Central Piedmont students and high school 11th and 12 graders for college-level STEM classes, on June 22. Students interested in participating in the program can visit cpcc.edu/ncsa.
STEM Prep is being made possible through a $1.5-million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop programs that boost the number of under-represented minority students pursuing associate and baccalaureate degrees in STEM subject areas.
Central Piedmont secured the grant funding in spring 2015 and is currently leading the North Carolina STEM Alliance (NCSA) with partners Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC) and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) with the goal of enrolling increased numbers of high school students in community college associate-degree STEM programs and seeing those students continue their studies in bachelor-degree STEM programs. Each college wants to increase its number of under-represented minority STEM students by 50 percent. The grant period runs through June 2021.
During STEM Prep, students will gain increased familiarity with current practices in STEM fields, be able to illustrate preparedness for a successful transition into STEM studies at the college level and participate in a coordinated exploration of careers in one of the following STEM Prep courses:
STEM Prep – Science: Students will be introduced to biological concepts, including molecular biology. Students will use this knowledge, as well as the scientific method and their critical thinking skills, to design an experiment where they will analyze a segment of their own DNA.
STEM Prep – Information Technology: Students will be introduced to basic fundamentals of computer science and application development by developing small applications using an Integrated Development Environment. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of basic programming design, debugging, sequence, selection and repetition.
STEM Prep – Engineering: Students will learn how to design, build and analyze projects using 21stcentury engineering strategies and technologies. Project experience will include the use of tools, such as but not limited to, 3D printers and CAD software.
STEM Prep – Mathematics: Students will participate in collaborative projects that relate to real-life applications of math concepts. In addition, each student will be provided with a personalized math enrichment plan aimed at filling gaps in their mathematics foundation and positioning them for success in their future mathematics studies.
In addition to the above courses, students will also receive STEM-focused mentoring, additional academic support, career-centered and proactive academic advising, and financial support. Classes will be held virtually on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. June 22 – July 16, from 1 – 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 p.m.