Leveraging IINSPIRE-LSAMP Iowa Illinois STEM Partnership to Develop Summer Bridge Programs for Fostering STEM Identity Jim Swartz--Grinnell College, Sharmin Sikich--Doane, University, Carmen Jones- - Iowa State University, Angela McKinney--Nebraska Wesleyan University, LeAnn Faidley--Wartburg College

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. IINSPIRE-LSAMP is supported by NSF Award Number: HRD-11619654, 2016-2021. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612. IINSPIRE Alliance Overview

• IINSPIRE: Iowa Illinois Nebraska STEM Partnership for Innovation in Research and Education • NSF LSAMP Program: Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation • Alliance among 16 two-year and four-year colleges and universities: • To broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the Midwest. • To support students, increase their success, and provide them with academic, research, training, and mentoring opportunities. • NSF Grant • In our second 5-year grant

2 IINSPIRE Alliance Institutions

A. Augustana College B. Des Moines Area Community College C. D. Eastern Iowa Community College District E. Grinnell College F. Hawkeye Community College G. Iowa State University H. Iowa Valley Community College District I. Kirkwood Community College J. Little Priest Tribal College K. Luther College L. Nebraska Wesleyan University M. University of Iowa • 3 Iowa Regents’ universities N. University of Northern Iowa • 5 community colleges/districts in O. Upper Iowa University Iowa and 1 tribal college in Nebraska P. Wartburg College • 7 private colleges/universities in Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska

3 NSF Alliance Goals

• Increase individual student retention and progression to baccalaureate degrees for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. • Enable successful transfer of underrepresented students from 2-year and 4-year institutions in STEM programs. • Increase access to high quality undergraduate research experiences. • Facilitate seamless transition of underrepresented students into STEM graduate programs.

4 Goals of Professional Development Activities • Encourage and enable faculty and staff to fulfill the goals of the alliance and in particular their individual and campus goals related to the alliance goals.

• Provide some resource materials for campuses using precedents from within the alliance and beyond

• Assist faculty and staff from the alliance in working collaboratively to develop approaches and materials to use to further their goals.

• Facilitate sharing of accomplishments and materials developed in a way that they can inspire and be used by others.

5 Areas of Focus Thus Far

• Summer Bridging Programs • Building a Sense of Community • Supporting the Whole Student • Using Societal Issues to Recruit and Retain STEM Students • Authentic Inquiry and Research-like Experiences • Using JiT approaches for Quantitative Skills in STEM

6 Overall Approach

• Identify common areas of interest in program development or other improvement • Identify individuals or programs within or outside our alliance with expertise • Offer workshops to both present and engage participants in collaborative development • Find additional resources • Assist in collaboration and in dissemination of outcomes

7 Summer Bridging Programs

It was a priority of our first grant to leverage the Alliance to develop summer bridge programs on multiple institutions. Iowa State University and Grinnell College had long offered quite different programs. The Alliance gathered information on those and other programs at non-Alliance institutions and offered several workshops for interested participants.

8 New Bridge Programs

• Doane University—Sharmin Sikich • Iowa State University—Carmen Jones • Nebraska Wesleyan University—Angela McKinney • Wartburg College—LeAnn Faidley

https://serc.carleton.edu/lsamp/bridging.html

9 2019 Bridge to Science and Mathematics Program

Doane University Dr. Sharmin Sikich Associate Professor of Chemistry IINSPIRE-LSAMP Campus Director [email protected] Introduction to the Bridge Program . Build community for underrepresented students interested in STEM . Provide students skills to succeed in college . Began in 2012 to reach out to diverse students as part of our NSF LSAMP program and expanded in recent years to be more inclusive . Recruiting done through email, regular mail . Important for building LSAMP cohort Format . Students move in 3-4 days before the regular move in date for new freshman . Most activities during the day Goals of Doane’s Bridge program

. Create community for new students . Break down barriers with faculty . Provide in-depth introduction to campus services . Introduce students to research and careers in STEM . Math/science prep Accomplishing Goals

Day 1: The start of the community. Day 2: Developing skills, mentor relationships, and research knowledge. Day 3: Careers in STEM and campus support Day 4: Developing skills and relationships with faculty Example Activity: Lock boxes for prizes

. Students work with faculty to solve problems . Lock boxes hidden throughout Lied – only clues given for their location Evaluations . Positive feedback . Most negative comments are about time . Students feel better acquainted with campus . Importance of research Bridge and LSAMP Program Successes . Participants engaging in research early . Acceptance to other research programs: NSF-IRES, UNMC COPH, REUs, Doane DIVAS . More than tripled the number of URM STEM students getting support for research projects Bridge Students attend Conferences . IINSPIRE-LSAMP . ABRCMS, LSMCE, SACNAS . ACS . INBRE . NCUR . NAS Rise-UP Program Carmen Jones, Graduate Assistant, IINSPIRE LSAMP RISEUP

• The primary goal is to assist community college students as they prepare to transfer to 4-year institutions • Participants gain valuable research experience in a research laboratory based on their STEM interests • Participation in professional development workshops • Paired with research mentor • Present posters at summer research symposium Program Benefits

• Networking with a community of peers, mentors, faculty, and administrators in STEM • Participate in professional and educational development activities • Presenting research at professional conferences and symposiums

RISEUP Program Criteria

• College GPA of 3.0 or higher • Member of an underrepresented group • Courses in STEM discipline • Recommendations from advisors or CC faculty • Must be able to commute to Iowa State • Participants must be funded by their home institution • Typically 6-8 students are admitted

RISEUP Application Process

• submit application by deadline • receive admission notification by email • paired with faculty mentor • faculty member and student correspond • receive information on orientation • submit research project information form

RISEUP Overview of summer activities

• Faculty mentors confirmed • Research Ethics training • Summer orientation • 24 hours/week in lab • Professional development/communication workshops • Weekly socials • Present research project at IINSPIRE LSAMP Research Symposium

RISEUP Additional Benefits • Eligible to receive funding support for: participation in summer research experiences and/or internships • Funding for research supplies • Eligible for travel funding for conferences and professional meetings

RISEUP Nebraska Wesleyan University— SUMMER TRANSITION PROGRAM

 Angela McKinney, PhD, Professor of Biology  Email: [email protected] LSAMP AT NWU

 Main Goals & Objectives  Increase the number of underrepresented minority students graduating in STEM  Assist underrepresented minorities in building a science identity  Provide opportunities for increased faculty-student engagement, peer mentoring, internship, & research opportunities SUMMER TRANSITION PROGRAM

 4-day program for all incoming first-year students of color interested in STEM  Held the last week in July  Welcome reception for parents and students  Current LSAMP students serve as mentors  Academic skill development workshops  Field trips & laboratory exercises  Community-building activities  Reflection presentations SUMMER TRANSITION PROGRAM CHALLENGES FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

 Academic Rigor  Study & time management  Self Advocacy  Identify need  Identify & seek resources  Stress Management  Counseling Center to support system  First 5 visits free ($10)  Home Sickness HOW FACULTY & STAFF SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM

 Intrusive advising & student support  Faculty mentoring  Faculty-student research opportunities at NWU & elsewhere  Workshop development or teaching for the summer transition program  Participating in monthly meetings & activities throughout the academic year, including annual Alliance conference STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

“The LSAMP Transition Program was the absolute best time of my life. I met great people, made amazing friends, and had a wonderful time. Everyone made the idea of college more exciting.” - Stephanie Alvarado STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

“The LSAMP Transition Program is an indescribable blessing. Three days committed to blossoming new friendships with fellow minority students, engaging with faculty who care for you far beyond the classroom, & meeting with speakers in your intended field & listening to their stories...the failures & triumphs that brought them to where they are today. The experience was irreplaceable, inconceivable, and positively beautiful.” – Alyssa Johnson ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMMING

 Main goals  Skill development (including self-advocacy)  Understanding & navigating the sociocultural context & philosophy of science  Career exploration  Identity development (intersectionality in STEM, science identity)  Community outreach (e.g., Lincoln Public Schools)  Established peer mentor-mentee relationship ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMMING

 Monthly meetings  Workshops: study skills, time management, professionalism, presentation skills, scientific writing, holistic health, goal setting  Guest speakers (e.g., Dr. Dave Stovall, Dr. Ebony McGee, Dr. Garcia-Ruiz)  Community-building over (free) food IINSPIRE LSAMP ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 Meeting of Alliance institutions that happens every February  Interactive workshops, keynote presentations, & roundtables for faculty, staff, & students  NWU students participate in poster presentations and panel discussions  NWU hosted the Alliance conference in 2016 in Des Moines, IA  Student participation is expected IINSPIRE LSAMP ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 Mean cumulative GPA = 3.45  Retention rate of LSAMP students = 85% (mean NWU retention rate is 81%)  Continual growth (about 35 active members)  Transition program – 7th year; 8 students this year  Summer Research Experiences  Currently have between 15-20 students attend monthly meetings on a regular basis.  Students feel a sense of community within LSAMP STUDENT ACOMPLISHMENTS

 UNMC’s Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

 Students conduct research  University of Nebraska (Dr. Hernan Garcia-Ruiz)  University of Nebraska Medical Center  University of Iowa  On campus research opportunities STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 Poster and oral presentations  Alliance Annual Conference  Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (November 2019)

 Outreach to Randolph Elementary School  4-6 week hands on activities for K-2nd graders  Science fair judges OTHER POINTS OF PRIDE

 Students are campus leaders (e.g., NSO leaders, PAs, Student Diversity Leadership Team, M.O.S.A.I.C. exec. members, Greek Life officers)

 Students have been accepted into:  UNMC College of Dentistry  UNMC Medical Program  Graduate programs – University of Hawaii  Accelerated nursing program STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

“My mentors in the LSAMP program challenged me to pursue my dreams in the healthcare field and have been an incredible support system over the years. I would not be the person I am today without the opportunities and success the LSAMP program has provided me.” – Brittney DeWald CHALLENGES

 Collaborating & coordinating with the Admissions Office on recruitment efforts  Getting students to take advantage of opportunities  Intrusive advising with a small team  Financing students who do not meet NSF requirements CONTACTS

 Angela McKinney, Ph.D. Title: Professor of Biology Phone: (402) 465-2259 Email: [email protected] Office: Olin Hall Room 202  Candice Howell Title: Assistant Dean for Student Success and Persistence Phone: (402) 465-2401 Email: [email protected] Office: Cochrane-Woods Library  Lisette E. Torres-Gerald, Ph.D. Title: Director of the Cooper Foundation Center for Academic Resources Phone: (402) 465-2458 Email: [email protected] Office: Cochrane-Woods Library Room 307 Wartburg College IINspire Pre-Orientation Program

Oct 26, 2019

Dr. LeAnn Faidley Associate Prof. of Engineering IINspire Campus Director Context: Wartburg College

• Identity • Location – Northeast Iowa • College of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Rooted and Open) • Waverly, IA • Mission Driven • Pop. 10.000 Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as • Rural College Town a spirited expression of their faith and learning.

• Size and Representation • 1500 Students, 93 Faculty, 11:1 ratio • 35 states, 53 countries • 11% Under Represented Minority • 35% STEM (Overall & URM) • 60 IINspire Eligible students • Retention of URM is 20% lower than of majority students – more so in STEM The Process

Grinnell Doane Cohort Focus Early move in Scavenger Hunt Academic & Career days 8/2014 Parent Letter draft Field Trip, Skill sessions 2012 st More $$ for more students 1 IINspire Inherited Iowa State Pre-Orient. IINspire 10 week summer session Program @ Academic Focused Developed Wartburg Dependent on Peer Mentors Wartburg’s Pre- 2013 Orientation 7/2013 Examined Program Conference data & on creating identified Bridge Nebraska Wesleyan retention Mid-summer session Programs issue Short Duration Program Overview

• Goal: To create connections • With other IINspire students • With upper class IINspire mentors • With STEM faculty • With resources for success • With science

• Logistics • 2.5 day program, immediately before Freshman Orientation • 2-3 Peer Mentors help (early move in +$100) • List of incoming IINspire students from admissions, e-mail invitations, letters to parents, online RSVP • $50 stipend to Wartburg Store upon completion of the evaluation Program Schedule & Highlights (Day 0.5)

Day 0.5 Peer Mentors help students find their classrooms

Move in Morning

Welcome, Intros, Campus

Afternoon Tour

Lead by peer Community mentors in the Building residence halls Evening Program Schedule & Highlights (Day 1)

Linked-in Profiles Day 1 Campus resources for careers, internships, and leadership opportunities. Career Exploration of Success

Morning Strength Finder results.

Hands on STEM Afternoon

Shopping Field biology at the river & Evening water testing in the Chem Lab Program Schedule & Highlights (Day 2)

Day 2 Faculty Panel Resource Scavenger Hunt Student Panel around campus URM Psychology prizes = meals with Dr. LeAnn Academic Success 1 Morning

Academic Success 2 Afternoon

Academic Success Resources Mentoring Dinner w/ Diverse Perspectives STEM Faculty Evening Speed Dating with STEM Faculty – faculty switch tables every 10 min. Participation & Impact

• Participation • 2014 – 10 RSVPs (4 STEM Grads, 2 NonSTEM Grads) • 2015 – 14 RSVPs (15 invites, 5 STEM Grads, 3 NonSTEM Grads, 1 in progress) • 2016 – 23 RSVPs (35 invites, 10 still STEM) • 2017 – 16 RSVPs (33 invites, 13 still STEM) • 2018 – 13 RSVPs (23 invites, 6 still in STEM) • 2019 - 6 RSVPs (19 invites)

• Impact • Greater sense of community and support • More use of available resources • More participation in IINspire Annual Conference 2019 Partnerships

• Summer Knights (10 week summer academic bridge program) reimagined • Now Castle Connections: 1 week before classes + 1st semester class + ongoing mentoring • Overlap in students and times with IINspire PreOrientation program • Director of Multicultural Students Services planned intensive PreOrienation program for students of color. • All students will overlap. Times will overlap. • Attempt to find a way to combine all three of these for the relevant students • A number of sessions & scavenger hunt in common • Shorter PreOrientation Program (1.5 days) • Observations • Low participation in IINspire. Session order didn’t make as much sense. A number of sessions needed to be cut. Less cohort building because 3 of students were also in Castle Connections. • Needs more work and better clarity in communications. Questions?

• Wartburg College

• LeAnn Faidley – [email protected] Information on Bridge Programs

• Doane University—New • Grinnell College--Preexisting • Iowa State University— – APEXE--Existing – RISEUP--New • Nebraska Wesleyan University—New • Wartburg College—New

https://serc.carleton.edu/lsamp/bridging.html

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