Bridging the Gap - Increasing access and preparedness for post-graduate opportunities in the biological sciences for student transferring from a rural community college

Abstract

Increasing the representation of skilled workers in STEM fields has been a priority in the United States, with a particular emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups. While urban areas with established higher education institutions have made efforts to engage underrepresented students in STEM, this study sheds light on the challenges faced by rural regions, especially those lacking 4-year institutions.

In this context, the "2+2" model, where students complete their associate degree at a community college and then transfer to a university for their bachelor's degree, has gained popularity. Rural community colleges, however, often lack the infrastructure and professional opportunities leading to disparities in STEM education.

To address this gap, the Northern Arizona University (NAU) – Yuma branch campus implemented the SEEDS program, funded by a National Science Foundation S-STEM grant. This program offered financial aid, academic support, and mentoring to students transferring from local community colleges to pursue a bachelor's degree in Biological and Natural Resource Sciences.

This article presents the program's methodology, including recruitment and financial support, academic support such as tutoring and advisement, and professional development through STEM seminars and field trips. The results highlight the program's success in recruiting and supporting underrepresented students, promoting academic progression, and enhancing post-graduation success, including employment and graduate program enrollment.

In general, scholarship programs such as SEEDS have a significant impact in attracting and retaining underrepresented groups in STEM in rural areas and we advocate for continued funding to support the growth of STEM education in underserved regions.