Introducing the STEM Centro Grant!

The vision for the Centro STEM project in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is to address the unique challenges faced by the community, such as geographic isolation and reliance on the energy sector, by providing customized academic support in math to prepare students for success in STEM fields. Additionally, the project aims to inspire Hispanic and low-income students to enroll in STEM degree pathways, improve retention rates, and meet the growing demand for skilled STEM talent in the region’s booming oil and gas industry. This comprehensive, community-based approach aligns with the need for a more diverse and qualified STEM workforce in the face of changing global economic demands. 

Component 1: Strategies and Activities 

Develop an Integrated Student Support System. Support academic success, retention, graduation, transfer, and career success by creating case management-based STEM advising and a system of non-cognitive supports, including mental wellness, our popular Mind CTRL offering mental health awareness sessions. basic needs and other referrals provided in a wraparound approach to services.

Component 2: Strategies & Activities Summary

Improving Academic Access and Success through Curriculum Realignment and Customized Instruction Strategies and Activities: Ensure students learn about STEM career pathways through STEMinars, career exploration and internships; Offer Summer Bridge accelerated instruction supported by Peer Led Team Learning to accelerate students’ moving to and through college Math and English sequences. Strengthen instructional capacity through, programmatic, infrastructure, classroom/laboratory, and technological capacity upgrades; Advance educational and organizational quality through equity-centered High Impact Practices and professional development; Realign Computer Science, Digital Technology and other high-demand STEM courses; Revise STEM courses to feature STEM industry prioritized student learning outcomes (SLOs), skills and experience.

Component 3: Strategies & Activities Summary

Support Transfer Readiness Strategies & Activities Support transfer readiness for STEM students through industry-prioritized STEM course learning outcomes and internship experiences; Expand, develop and widely publicize model articulation agreements with four-year institutions; Offer Transfer Exploration and Faculty Transfer Exchanges.