Bridges to STEM Careers: Hands-on Student Activities

Abstract

The Bridges to STEM Careers (BSC) project is funded by the NSF STEP program. The project is a collaborative effort between a university and three community college campuses. The main goals of the project are to increase attainment of STEM associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as to facilitate and increase transfer of STEM students across the institutions. The project focuses on increasing student engagement and persistence through the development of face-toface and technology-enhanced learning networks, both within and across campuses. Supporting initiatives include summer orientation programs, career-awareness and enhancement activities, and opportunities for hands-on extra-curricular activities. In this paper we will provide a brief overview of hands-on student activities and the lessons learned so far.