This material is based
upon work supported by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. DUE-0336493
A "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP)"
"DREAM CATCHERS"
PURPOSE:
The Mission of the "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP)" at Northwest-Shoals Community College is to increase the number of minority students pursuing and receiving associates or baccalaureate degrees among the established or emerging field of study within "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)" fields.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
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Summer semester dual-enrollment (or accelerated courses) tuition and fees for high school participants, and summer semester tuition and fees for currently enrolled college participants. This full tuition scholarship will pay for twelve hours of coursework. |
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A $300.00 book allowance for high school and college participants. |
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A stipend for high school and college participants for each semester to help defer travel costs. |
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Assistance with scholarships for fall and spring semesters through an additional NSF program at NW-SCC -"Computer, Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Scholarship (CSMES)." The local name of this program is the NSF-SATS Project. Other scholarships can also be explored. |
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Assistance with federal financial aid (Pell grants, student loans, etc.). |
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Access to peer and professional tutoring each semester. In addition, access to peer and professional mentors, campus visits, and cultural activities/tours which explore STEM fields. |
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Visits to business and industry offering employment in STEM related fields, such as TVA, Intergraph, Lockheed, Boeing, Saturn, Mercedes, and others. |
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Intensive assistance concerning transfer information, financial aid, and scholarship information at four-year institutions. Transferability of coursework will be handled with care and expertise. Counselors will assist students with academic goals and completing chosen programs of study. |
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Personal, academic, and career counseling availability. Career counseling will focus on choosing programs of study where future employment is frequent and expected to remain marketable for an extended period of time. |
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Access to the "STEM Awareness" Website (tutorials and other program information are featured on a continuous basis). |
SPACE CAMP:
Each year, several students will attend "Space Camp" at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. While each student cannot go each year, students should be able to go at least once during their "time" in the program. In some instances, some students may also be able to attend the "MACH II" Program.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN "STEP?"
STEP will recruit and select high school students (grades 10-12) and currently enrolled (college) students who wish to enter an Associate Degree Program at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC), and then transfer to a four-year postsecondary college or university to complete a bachelor's degree in a STEM field of study. The program will serve 30 participants each year. Due to the nature of the project, a student could remain in the program for up to five years (including high school and college study). It is also highly possible for high school students to enter NW-SCC at the high school level, graduate from NW-SCC, and transfer to a four-year university following one year of postsecondary academic courses at NW-SCC. Therefore, the program requires an on-going commitment from each student and the STEP faculty team members.
PROGRAM CONTACTS:
1) Dr. Ann Walker - Coordinator and Primary Investigator of STEP at NW-SCC at (256) 331-5358. Interested NW-SCC students can also contact Dr. Walker (Shoals Campus) at the above number, or Dinah Vinson (Phil Campbell Campus) at (256) 331-6276.
2) Any "High School Counselor" in the Lawrence County or Franklin County School Districts.
3) The "Lawrence County Indian Education Program" at (256) 905-2494.
4) The "Lawrence County Board of Education" - Contact Mrs. Brenda Terry (Supervisor) at (256) 905-2495
5) The "Franklin County Board of Education" at (256) 332-1360.
6) The "Russellville City School System" at (256) 332-8440
7) Any "Talent Search" Counselor in Lawrence County or Franklin County Schools.
"STEM Field Experts:
Dr. Ann Walker (walker@nwscc.edu) - Primary Investigator
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Kim Ricketts (kricketts@nwscc.edu) - Co-Primary Investigator and Website Maintenance
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Daron Goodloe (dgoodloe@nwscc.edu) - Co-Primary Investigator
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Steve McGouyrk (stevem@nwscc.edu) - Co-Primary Investigator
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Technical Sciences (Electronics, Computer Science, Drafting, Etc.). |
Ann Lyndon (lyndon@nwscc.edu) - "STEM" field expert
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Tommy Howard (howard@nwscc.edu) - "STEM" field expert
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Dr. Craig Sockwell (sockwell@nwscc.edu) - "STEM" field expert
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"STEP" Selection Process:
All new student applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1) Student's academic record,
2) At least one instructor/counselor letter(s) of recommendation,
3) Extracurricular and/or community and service activities,
4) An interview held by STEP team members.
Applications
should be returned to
Dr. Ann
Walker - Primary Investigator
Shoals Campus
Bldg. 110, Rm. 105
To Get an Application for the Program click below:
To Print a Brochure for this Program
click below:
