Latechstep: Louisiana Tech University's Stem Talent Expansion Program
- Conference
- Location
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Honolulu, Hawaii
- Publication Date
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June 24, 2007
- Start Date
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June 24, 2007
- End Date
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June 27, 2007
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
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Student Diversity: attracting and retaining a diverse population of students
- Tagged Division
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Educational Research and Methods
- Page Count
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10
- Page Numbers
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12.1004.1 - 12.1004.10
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--2175
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/2175
- Download Count
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407
Paper Authors
Kelly Crittenden
Louisiana Tech University
orcid.org/0000-0002-7025-5055
KELLY CRITTENDEN is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Louisiana Tech University. He teaches within the Integrated Engineering Curriculum and Multidisciplinary Senior Design series. His interests are in promoting collaboration across discipline and college boundaries in order to stimulate innovation and advancements in engineering education. Dr Crittenden received his B.S. and Ph.D. in BioMedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University.
Galen Turner Louisiana Tech University
GALEN E. TURNER III received his B.S. from Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1992 with majors in Mathematics and Religious Studies. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, in 1994 and 1999 respectively. His current research is in the area of graph minors and computational mathematics as related to a number of interdisciplinary areas of study. In addition to research collaboration, Dr. Turner has served as an educational consultant for centers in Texas and Louisiana, and he is an active member of the Leadership Team for Undergraduate Programs at Louisiana Tech University.
Alicia Boudreaux Louisiana Tech University
ALICIA D. BOUDREAUX works as the Student Success Specialist at LA Tech University's College of Engineering & Science. She advises and supports students, helping to connect them to resources across campus. She also visits with prospective students and their families about the undergraduate engineering and science programs. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from LA Tech University and an M.S. in Educational Administration from Baylor University.
James Nelson Louisiana Tech University
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
TechSTEP: Stem Talent Expansion Program
Introduction and Background
According to the National Science Board’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2004, enrollment in undergraduate engineering and science programs decreased sharply during the 1980s, followed by slower declines in the 1990s. Since 2000, enrollment numbers have begun to increase again; but the report also indicates that, of those students who do enroll in engineering and science programs, fewer than 50% earn an engineering or science degree within six years. Clearly, there is a continued need for increased enrollment and retention in science and engineering. In The Science and Engineering Workforce: Realizing America’s Potential, the Board strongly recommends national-level action to provide an adequate number of science and engineering graduates to ensure competitiveness in the ever-changing global economy (NSB, 2003). Furthermore, Preparing Our Children (NSB, 1999) urges partnerships between universities and local schools to increase the mathematics and science abilities of high school graduates. TechSTEP directly addresses these concerns.
“the University”’s STEM Talent Expansion Program (TechSTEP) has two major components that will yield increased numbers of graduates in engineering, mathematics, and science. One component is a high school partnership program focused on recruiting new students into our STEM programs, while the other component is a summer enrichment and mentoring program focused on increased retention of first-year college students. The recruiting component is an expansion of pilot programs funded by the College, alumni and industry. One of the programs (Bridges to Engineering) was conducted during the 2005-06 academic year and another is being conducted during 2006-07. Successful elements of TechSTEP are adaptable at other schools with similar demographics. The College of Engineering and Science at “the University” has already been very successful at increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation in recent years. Yet, further improvements are attainable. Our overall goal is an annual increase in STEM graduation rates – from Figure 1. Students working during the Bridges to approximately 220 students per year to a Engineering pilot. sustainable 300 students per year – 36% above our current levels.
At “the University” all STEM programs, with the exception of biology, are housed in the College of Engineering and Science. This has fostered a truly collaborative environment that has led to significant innovations in the classroom and in curriculum development, including our Integrated Engineering Curriculum and Integrated Science Curriculum. We have thirteen undergraduate degree programs including seven engineering programs, two technology programs, computer
Crittenden, K., & Turner, G., & Boudreaux, A., & Nelson, J. (2007, June), Latechstep: Louisiana Tech University's Stem Talent Expansion Program Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2175
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