Science Excel Project Natural Sciences Division Tammy Liles, Principal Investigator Tracy Knowles, Co-Principal Investigator

Fast Facts $500,000 grant from National Science Foundation’s S-STEM program Five years – 2007 through 2011 Less than 30% of proposals were funded Most awards were to baccalaureate institutions First NSF grant for Tammy and Tracy – and for BCTC since our merger

NSF S-STEM Program S-STEM = Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Goal: Provide scholarships to academically talented, financially needy students, enabling them to complete an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate level degree in science and engineering disciplines.

BCTC “Science Excel” Objectives and Activities Obj. 1: Increase participation of academically talented, financially disadvantaged students in Natural Sciences Recruit students in area high schools Provide substantial scholarships (20 per year) Provide Baccalaureate Bridge scholarships to selected Science Excel students who are transferring to baccalaureate institutions

Obj. 2: Provide support services to enable completion of associate degree or transfer  Establish “Science Excel” student cohort with common classes, study groups, and enrichment opportunities.  Establish a learning community for cohort students living in UK dorms  Provide intensive advising and development of a success plan for each SE scholar  Build upon existing student support services to provide increased academic support for SE scholars  Science resource center – “The Nucleus”

Obj. 3: Provide industry experiences to prepare students for careers in science-related fields Use business/industry partnerships to provide internships, co-op experiences, career counseling, guest speakers, and other workforce connections.

Science Excel student requirements:  Enrolled in 15 credit hours each semester  Major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Science Technology  Academic ability assessed by GPA, ACT/SAT scores, teacher recommendations, application essay and interview  Maintain GPA of 2.5 or higher  Meet federal guidelines for financial need and citizenship