1. Bridging the Gap: The Transitioning of 2YC Students to the 4YC System in the Geosciences Joshua I. Villalobos El Paso Community College jvillal6@epcc.edu

2. Role of 2YC’s in the Geosciences 2009- 44% of all US undergraduates attended 2YC 2YC traditionally serve “non-traditional” students Potential diversity is our greatest contribution 420 2YC report some geoscience courses 24% of all 2YC in the US 140 2YC with identifiable geoscience programs 8% of all 2YC in the US But… 28 2YC report awarding 83 AA degrees in Geoscience Source: US Dept of Education and AGI

3. Role of 2YC’s in the Geosciences Why should promote AA or AS degrees in the Geosciences? Students: Gives students interested in the geosciences a road map Ensures a nominal degree in their education Helps ease their transfer to a 4YC Faculty and administration: Gives a means to track students Helps build data to promote the program or develop classes Helps in building collaboratives with 4YC

4. What EPCC has done: Created working relationships UTEP and EPCC’s 2+2 degree program Increase geoscience course diversity GEOL 2407, GEO 2389, GEOL 2411 Collaborations with other 2YC NOVA- Northern Virginia Community College Research opportunities for 2YC geo majors SOLARIS- Student Opportunities in Learning Advanced Research in the geoSciences Role of 2YC’s in the Geosciences

5. 2YC Research opportunities Fall 2009 research began at EPCC Funded by WAESO ( Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities ) 8 students were funded over 2 yrs: Integrated study of the hydrogeology of a wetland preserve Delineation of groundwater flow within the Rio Grande Flood Plain An Integrated Study Investigating Groundwater Flow in Keystone Heritage Park Investigations of Potential Archaeological sites horizons using Ground Penetrating Radar Can 2-yr college students do this level of research? YES!

6. NSF Opportunity in Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences- Track 1- SOLARIS research program provides non- traditional students: Stipend of $1000/semester $500 for supplies/rentals Travels for students to presentations

7. Success of 2YC Research How do we measure success?

8. Thanks to: Dr. Diane Doser University of Texas at El Paso- Dept. of Geological Sciences Dr. Laura Serpa University of Texas at El Paso- Dept. of Geological Sciences Dr. Kathleen Devaney El Paso Community College- Dept. of Geological Sciences NSF OEDG (Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences Program) : Award # 1107418