STCC’s free STEM Starter Academy accepting applications for summer

From left, Dr. Robert Dickerman, dean of the School of Science & Engineering Transfer, STCC students Joseph Denesha and Sade Murray, Director of STEM Starter Academy at STCC Dr. Reena Randhir, and STCC students Pabitra Subedi and Edwin Torres.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Joseph Denesha wasn’t quite sure what type of career he wanted to pursue until he enrolled in the STEM Starter Academy at Springfield Technical Community College four years ago.

“It reeled me into engineering, specifically STEM,” said Denesha, of Springfield, who is now a tutor for the summer program. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do beforehand. So just getting that exposure – being introduced to some of the things that we do here in the STEM field – that’s what set me forth and made go through with my program here at STCC.”

For many young people throughout the region, the STEM Starter Academy at STCC offers a unique opportunity to explore high-demand careers and programs of study in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The free Academy at STCC is now accepting applications for the summer session which runs July 3-Aug. 11, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon. Those enrolled in the Academy get a $600 stipend, a free lunch and tutoring if needed. Applicants must apply by May 12.

Students who have graduated from high school in the class of 2015, 2016 or 2017 and who have applied to STCC are eligible to also apply to the Academy. Requirements include minimum grade point averages of 2.0, state residency and U.S. citizenship. Students who successfully complete the Academy receive free college credits.

It reeled me into engineering, specifically STEM Joseph Denesha Tutor at the STEM Starter Academy at STCC

A statewide initiative that involves all 15 community colleges, the STEM Starter Academy is funded through the state budget. “We’re grateful to the governor and legislature for their support,” said Dr. Robert Dickerman, dean of the School of Science & Engineering Transfer.

Now in its fourth year, the STEM Starter Academy at STCC has a new director, Dr. Reena Randhir, an adjunct professor at STCC who earned her Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell and Development biology. She teaches a number of biology courses, including a new class called World Food Habits and Sustainability.

Dr. Randhir takes the reins from Dr. Felicia Griffin-Fennell, the founding director of the STEM Starter Academy at STCC.

“I’m humbled, and I’m so elated that I have this opportunity to serve and lead the Stem Starter Academy,” she said. “I’m deeply grateful to Dean Dickerman and Felicia for all the work they’ve done ahead of me and their guidance.”

Randhir wants to spread the word about the opportunities a STEM career offers students who study in one of the related fields.

“There is a huge demand in STEM careers, and many of our students are not aware of it,” Randhir said.   

The summer program not only exposes young people to careers, but also prepares them for college. Students begin their first week with a math “boot camp” and then are placed in different levels, according to their skills. Students take field trips to four-year colleges or universities. They get to meet engineers at their workplaces, such as Accuratus Labs Services in Agawam, formerly known as Microtest Laboratories. Other fieldtrips include visits to science museums, universities and industries.

“It’s not only about learning. It’s also about bonding with each other, having fun and making lifelong friendships,” Randhir said.

 “I made a lot of friends,” said Pabitra Subedi, 20, of Springfield, who went through the program in 2015. “I did not have that many friends before, but when I got in this program, I met lots of people.”

She also cited the tutoring support, which she said helped her. “If you have any problem, you can just talk to them,” she said.

Edwin Torres, 20, of Springfield, attended the Academy when it started four years ago and will tutor students this summer.

“I want to be a math professor,” Torres said. “Tutoring experience helps me out in the long run.”

Dickerman said the Academy’s tutors provide students with a chance to get vital one-on-one attention.

“They’re getting extra levels of support and tutoring outside of the classrooms,” Dickerman said. “It’s really a good deal for the student.”

To enroll in the program, visit the STEM Starter Academy at STCC webpage at www.stcc.edu/apply/stem.  If you have questions, please call Dr. Reena Randhir at 413-755-4576 or email Dr. Randhir at rrandhir@stcc.edu.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 8,500 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).

Media Contact:

Jim Danko, Coordinator of Media Relations

(413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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