Development of a Cohort-Based Program to Strengthen Retention and Engagement of Underrepresented Community College Engineering and Computer Science Students

摘要

In partnership with the Silicon Valley Engineering Tech Pathways (SVETP), Skyline College developed and began piloting the Engineering & Tech Scholars Program (ETS) program in Fall 2016. The ETS program is a cohort-based learning community designed to address major attrition points and increase the retention and diversity of students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This paper details the development, implementation, and initial outcomes of the program in order contribute to the body of research of evidence-based program initiatives to increase the diversity and engagement of underrepresented communities in STEM. Quantitative data and qualitative focus group data that measure student success and engagement are reviewed along with student perceptions of the program to extract key insights to inform future programs and best practices for maximum impact.