Scientific Discovery Program: An academic-year bridge program Alison J. Draper Director, Science Center Trinity College

The need Admissions rates students’ academic preparation Each year, students rated lowest by admissions would struggle in intro science courses Many of these students did not make use of resources Many of these students are students of color

Limitations No money for summer program Not much faculty or staff interest Mellon grant for international travel Opportunity

The model An “in-house” Posse program

Goals: Improve use of resources by students Improve success of participants in science classes Retain more participants as science majors Send students on to medical/graduate school?!

Program Design Fall semester: – First-year seminar together On asthma Includes a community service project – First-year seminar mentor familiar with issues – Other courses in clusters – Meet frequently with advisor Spring semester: – Half-credit seminar – Continue to meet frequently with advisor Summer: – International travel: Peru (year 1), Trinidad & Tobago (year 2)

Results: Use of SI

Results: GPA in first-semester science courses

Results: Major selection

Results: Future plans Of class ‘10: – One student will apply to medical school – One student plans to attend PhD program in anthropology Of class ‘11: – One student is applying to dental school – One student is applying to medical school – Others?

What was important? Group identity International travel A good, involved mentor

Current challenges Lack of funding for international travel: this year, we’re testing to see if we can make it work without international travel