Student Success with the

Society of STEM Scholars

Tara Eisenhauer Ebersole, Professor Biology and STEM Liaison

Laura LeMire, Associate Professor Engineering and Engineering Coordinator

The Community College of Baltimore County

Presentation Overview

CCBC at a glanceBackground on our STEM initiativeRationale and explanation of Society

of STEM ScholarsObjectivesOrganizational framework - student

profileOutcomes - 2010/11 activity reportFeedback and assessment -

testimonials

CCBC at a Glance Multi-campus suburban in

Central Maryland Enrolls approximately 74,000

students each year: over 30,00 credit students and over 40,000 non-credit students

Represents 2/3 of all county residents attending an undergraduate institution

Offers more than 50 different associate degrees and more than 100 certificate programs

Enrolls a student population that closely mirrors Baltimore County’s rich diversity

CCBC’s Definition of STEMSTEM Education is defined inclusively as STEM disciplines and those that speak to the applied and innovative learning that results from a holistic and integrated connection between each of those STEM disciplines. CCBC also encourages the interaction between STEM disciplines and many areas that are not traditionally part of STEM. Below are the classifications for programs as they relate to STEM at CCBC:STEM Programs or Course Series STEM Related Programs or Course Series STEM Outcomes in a Program or Course SeriesSTEM Activities and Support Initiatives   

CCBC’s STEM InitiativeVISION:

◦ The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has a holistic approach, with metrics, for the CCBC STEM initiative to include job preparedness and career services strategies in STEM business sectors, or transition to a transfer academic program.

GOALS: ◦ Respond to workforce needs in the STEM area◦ Ensure a challenging multidisciplinary STEM curriculum for

CCBC’s students and support STEM literacy◦ Expand, enhance and communicate on specific initiatives

for students with aptitude and interest in the STEM fields◦ Increase the engagement of minorities and females in the

STEM areas◦ Continue to be a prominent force in the community with

regards to STEM related activities and initiatives

How Do We Achieve This?We develop a

comprehensive initiative that focuses on:

Professional development

Interdisciplinary faculty teams

Data CollectionCollaborative AllianceInternal and external

communicationStudent Support

What are you doing for your STEM students? Program attending science festivals across country –

Mind trekers Internships at university labs STEM ambassadors with K-12 Joint grant between 2 yr and 4 yr institutions STEM center – provides support for minorities and

women; workshops etc. Best Robotics STEM Seminar Teaching assistantships at high schools Energy club – windmill Early college STEM high school Coordinating different departments, green club,

building meaningful academies with high schools

Pre Society of STEM Scholars

Math Club

Society of Engineers

Math Competitio

n

Programming Team

Bio-Premed Club

Organizational framework

ConstitutionMulti-campus structureOfficers Division of laborFaculty involvement

◦Cross disciplinary◦Mentoring◦Advisors to committee

chairs

Goals1. Promote fellowship among students

in STEM fields2. Encourage cross disciplinary thinking

and discussions 3. Recruit and retain students into

STEM  4. Generate interest in STEM via

discussions, lectures and field trips5. Raise awareness of career paths and

educational opportunities

Goals6. Form study groups and encourage

“self” tutoring 7. Compete in STEM competitions8. Raise awareness of CCBC’s STEM

initiatives within the school and community

9. Develop leadership, planning and organizational skills

10. Encourage members to attain high levels of education and professional achievement, and become leaders in their fields

Indirect objectivesFormation of community Development of ties to CCBC

◦Return as guest speakers◦Alumni giving

Enhancing reputation of CCBC as a STEM school

Connection to four-year institutions

Committees Field tripsStudy groupsGuest speakersCompetitionsOutreachProfessional developmentSocial events

Activities and EventsRegular meetings for members and officersAttendance at Math Seminar SeriesPartiesField Trips

◦ NIH Vaccine Production Facility◦ Tour of Direct Dimensions, Inc. ◦ NCIS in DC ◦ Capitol College Cyber Battle Lab

Guest Speakers◦ Genetics Update Conference◦ Mechanical Engineer and CCBC Alumni◦ Computer Software Engineer ◦ Career Panel Night

Outreach◦ Stream Waders Training with DNR◦ Students present to local high schools

Other OutcomesDeveloped website:http://www.ccbcmd.edu/stem/Society_of_STEM_Scholars.html

Data Collection and student profile

Characteristics of STEM students

Characteristics of STEM students

Feedback and AssessmentParticipation and success in

competitions◦increase in participation◦Improved success

Tracking students after CCBCGraduation survey

What do the students say……?http://vstream.ccbcmd.edu/video/demos/studentscholar.wmv

Forming a STEM ClubEmail all STEM faculty Develop goals and objectivesAcquire constitution from an

existing STEM club (we will be happy to share!)

Establish organization structureEstablish a meeting locationPlan an exciting first field trip as

the hookDecide membership criteria &

advertiseElect officers and you’re on your

way!

Questions and Answers

Contact informationTara Eisenhauer Ebersole

443.840.5948 tebersol@ccbcmd.edu

Laura LeMire 443. 840.5904 llemire@ccbcmd.edu