Broadening Participation in STEM
The MAKERS program
MAKERS (Making to Advance Knowledge, Excellence, and Recognition in STEM) is funded by the NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. MAKERS is designed to increase persistence of low-income students in STEM degree programs by integrating STEM enrichment, research, and peripheral activities. MAKERS will provide up to 158 scholarships at our partner institutions (Tuskegee University, Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, Auburn University - Montgomery, Southern Union State Community College, and Lawson State Community College), and develop multiple interventions to support scholars' success. The Oakland University team (Drs. Martha Escobar [PI], Virgil Zeigler-Hill and Melissa McDonald [co-PIs]) will conduct the research that provides scientific evidence for the impact of the interventions on student identification with STEM, motivation, desire to persist in STEM, and academic outcomes. The first cohort of MAKERS students joined the MAKERS program in Fall 2017.
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The MSE HBCU-UP program
MSE HBCU-UP is funded by the NSF's Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate (HBCU-UP) program. The project will utilize evidence-based, high-impact pedagogical practices to improve student learning and outcomes in STEM. Specifically, this program will develop, implement, and study a minor in material science and engineering (MSE) at Tuskegee University, one of the top 5 HBCUs in the US. The goal of the program is to prepare undergraduate students for graduate studies and careers in MSE. Dr. Escobar (PI) in collaboration with Dr. Melissa McDonald (Dept. of Psychology) will investigate how the MSE HBCU-UP program's interventions affect the development of students' personal self-efficacy, professional efficacy and goal-directed behaviors.
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The LeGACy program
LeGACy (BLack Girls From Alabama for Computing) is funded by the NSF Innovative Technologies for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program. ITEST is a collaborative effort among the University of Alabama, Tuskegee University, and Oakland University. This program aims to increase motivation and persistence of young women of color in computer science, specifically targeting strategies that foster their involvement and persistence in AP CS principles. The program involves an intensive summer experience and academic-year support activities. The first cohort of LeGACY students will begin the program in June 2019.
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The PATHs program
PATHs (Pathways for Advancement and Tenure at HBCUs) is funded by the NSF Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) program, with support from NSF's Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate (HBCU-UP) program. PATHs is a collaborative effort among Tuskegee University and Oakland University, with implementation sites at Tuskegee, Tennessee State, and Jackson State Universities. The program will focus its efforts on developing strategies that foster retention and promotion of faculty of color at HBCUs. Dr. Martha Escobar will serve as the social science researcher, investigating how the unique environment of HBCUs has an impact on the successful advancement of faculty of color. The first cohort of participating faculty joined the program in fall 2018.
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