CSU, Northridge Engineering and Computer Science HSI Initiative

This collaborative project will be lead by the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Northridge, in partnership with Glendale Community College (GCC) and the College of the Canyons (COC). All three institutions are designated Hispanic serving institutions. The primary objectives of the grant are: (1) To increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students who successfully transfer from Glendale Community College and College of the Canyons to California State University to pursue majors in Engineering and/or Computer Science, (2) To increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students who graduate from CSU Northridge with degrees from CECS undergraduate programs, and (3) To develop a model, seamless transfer program to assist Hispanic and low-income students to successfully transfer from Glendale Community College and College of the Canyons, to California State University, Northridge where they will complete their studies in Engineering and/or Computer Science. Students and faculty members in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at CSUN, GCC, and COC will be participating in this grant. The grant envisions supporting a total of 120 students over 5 years. A comprehensive project plan is proposed to address the academic needs of students in the cohort that includes proactive academic advisement and tracking, organized tutoring, peer and faculty mentoring, hands on research opportunities and project based learning, career advising and eventual transition to the workforce or advanced studies. Students in the cohort will be supported with stipends to motivate and inspire them to succeed. Another key objective of this grant is the development of sustainable, seamless transfer agreements between the community colleges and CSUN. Working collaboratively, faculty from CSUN, GCC and COC will develop and team-teach courses and address the gaps which exist in the articulation agreements. They will create model transfer agreements to ensure the timely graduation of students in the cohort. A unique aspect of this grant is the integration of technology to enhance student learning. The grant aims to create a mobile digital environment with tablet PC?s and software, to enhance communication, engagement, collaboration and creativity, and instant learning assessment of the students in the cohort. Internal assessment of the program objectives and outcomes will be conducted continuously by the Program Assessment and Evaluation Committee made up of the PI?s of the grant and the internal program evaluator. An external HSI-STEM advisory committee will be established to reinforce the success of this program with prominent members from academia and industry. This advisory committee will also evaluate the program?s progress in terms of specific goals, interact with the faculty and students, and offer constructive feedback to improve the program on an ongoing basis. A project website will be created and maintained to inform and disseminate progress on achievement of the goals and objectives of the grant. As we look to the future, we can think of no greater investment than the education of our future engineers and computer scientists. This grant will have an enduring impact on the academic success and career choices of the talented youth in our region, and ultimately, we hope an enduring impact on the growth and health of California?s economy. As these talented students, who represent both minorities and females, matriculate to the university, they will, in turn, serve as role models for others in their communities. This collaborative partnership between CSUN, GCC and COC will be instrumental in creating a larger, more inclusive pool of STEM graduates.