St. Thomas University Partners With Miami Dade College To Boost Minority Enrollment In The Sciences

Online, October 5, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The recently established academic community partnership between St. Thomas University (STU) and Miami Dade College (MDC) intended to increase minority enrollment in math and science is continuing to make great strides this academic year, thanks to an $865,519 federal grant received from a U.S. Department of Education Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program.

Based at MDC? North Campus, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Connections program has three objectives: (1) to increase the transition of high school minority students, particularly women, into college level STEM majors; (2) to increase enrollment and retention of declared STEM majors; and (3) to develop mentoring networks to assist and support both STEM students and faculty at both institutions.

Recent studies point to minority secondary school students facing significant hardships in math and science coursework, showing low grades and under representation of minorities in science careers in the United States, said St. Thomas University Associate Provost Susan Angulo. From now until the end of the grant program in 2012, both colleges administration hope to see their minority enrollment increase minority student participation in STEM subjects by 25 percent through a series of career outreach events and activities held at area high schools. STEM Connections was developed, in part, to bridge the gap between secondary school students and the attainment of a science, math or technology college degree and career.

In a downsize economy, science-engaged staff show about 70 percent higher compensation than the national average just five years ago. Both colleges are launching public awareness campaigns in South Florida to reach immigrant populations and let them know the great news about all the new funding opportunities.

The final component of STEM Connections is the Summer Research Mentoring Institute, with St. Thomas University opening the University campus to MDC students in their second year to better prepare them for continuing their STEM coursework. Held at both MDC North Campus and St. Thomas University over an eight-week period, the hands-on, intensive workshop teaches students public speaking, presentation delivery, application writing, as well as access to computers, multimedia technology, science and research laboratories, field trips, a speaker series, and they may also be eligible for additional scholarships and stipends.

Company Name: Saint Thomas University
Street: 16401 NW 37th Avenue
City: Miami Gardens
Province: Florida
State: Florida
Zip Code: 33054
Country: USA
Phone: 305.474-6880
Website: http://stu.edu