DCCCD STEM Institute

Educating the next generation of engineers, scientists and STEM teachers

Initiated as a pilot program in 2009, the DCCCD STEM Institute engages science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students from all seven colleges DCCCD.

The DCCCD STEM Institute comprehensively increases student success by providing faculty-led student mentoring programs; focusing on student retention and persistence; and offering a bridge program for students to matriculate directly into baccalaureate STEM programs. Participation in the Institute accelerates student progress and transfer to universities. Program components include:

Selection and Awards

The DCCCD STEM Institute serves students who are committed to pursuing a degree in a STEM program. The application process is competitive. Students must be in good academic standing, have a minimum 3.0 GPA (the average GPA is 3.8), and have completed 12 credit hours. Students are eligible for merit-based awards of up to $2,640 over the academic year based on meeting eligibility and participation criteria. STEM Scholars include a diverse group of individuals, including 15% African American, 22% Hispanic, 30% Asian American, and 38% female.

Student Participation in Capstone Experiences

STEM Scholars attend Institute-specific events each academic year, including STEM industry- and career-related seminars and the annual spring DCCCD STEM Summit. Previous summit speakers include astronaut Dr. Mary Ellen Weber, famed ocean explorer Fabien Cousteau, and internationally renowned neuroscientist Dr. Miguel Nicolelis.

Student Mentoring with STEM Faculty Fellows

STEM Faculty Fellows serve as mentors for STEM Scholars each academic year of the program. Each STEM Faculty Fellow mentors STEM Scholars, participates in Institute activities with them, and works with university and industry leaders to provide real-world opportunities for students.

STEM Faculty Fellows Academy

DCCCD partners with the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) to lead the STEM Faculty Fellows Academy.  This Academy provides dedicated year-round enrichment for the continued professional and academic development of select math and science faculty throughout the DCCCD.

Results

Over four years, 389 students engaged with a 95% success rate using mentors. In just the 2011-12 academic year, 36% of participants graduated from the colleges of DCCCD and 33% transferred to four-year universities. As of spring 2013, transfer universities include Colorado State University, Columbia University, Purdue University, Rice University, SMU, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas Woman’s University, University of Arkansas, University of Oregon, UNT and multiple University of Texas locations.

With a focus on both student access and degree completion, the DCCCD STEM Institute helps students complete their Associate STEM degree or transfer to a four-year university to earn a Bachelor’s degree in STEM while satisfying the growing need for STEM professionals in North Texas.

Donors

The four years of the DCCCD STEM Institute pilot were made possible through the support of the Citi Foundation, a Department of Education congressional appropriation, the DCCCD Chancellor's Council, the Fluor Foundation, the Greater Texas Foundation, the Hillcrest Foundation, Hunt Consolidated, Hunter and Stephanie Hunt, and Margaret McDermott.

In spring 2013, the Communities Foundation of Texas announced a gift of $1.8 million from the The W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation at Communities Foundation of Texas to support the DCCCD STEM Institute for the next three academic years.

The DCCCD Foundation is grateful for the generous support of these donors, and thanks them for the continued success of the DCCCD STEM Insitute.

Support the DCCCD STEM Institute

The colleges of DCCCD make a significant impact in reducing shortages in STEM fields. Through your support, the Foundation can create a national institute for recruiting and graduating additional high-achieving students with the desire to become future scientists, engineers and educators.

Donate now to the DCCCD STEM Institute.

DCCCD STEM Institute Contacts

Dr. Mary A. Brumbach, CFRE
Executive District Director of Strategic Funding
Dallas County Community College District
mbrumbach@dcccd.edu
214-378-1549

Tori Correll
Coordinator of Development
Dallas County Community College District
vcorrell@dcccd.edu
214-378-1571