STEM program at STCC lauded for supporting women, underrepresented students

Samar Ghrear, director of the STEM Starter Academy, and students from the program.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s STEM Starter Academy received the Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from the magazine Insight Into Diversity.

The STEM Starter Academy (SSA) at STCC has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students who might otherwise face significant barriers to entering and succeeding in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math).

SSA is designed to support STCC’s underrepresented student populations by providing equity and access to STEM majors and pathways and to promote positive and equitable outcomes through intense student support and guidance.

The Inspiring Programs in STEM award is a measure of an institution’s individual college programs and initiatives that encourage and support the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented students into all STEM fields. STCC was one of only two community colleges recognized for this award.  

Lara Sharp, Dean of the School of STEM, expressed pride in the program’s achievements and praised Samar Ghrear, Director of the SSA, and her staff at the STEM Center.

“The STEM Starter Academy is a shining example of how targeted support and community engagement can make a significant difference in the lives of students,” Sharp said. “This award is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the program, from our staff and faculty to the students themselves.”

The STEM Starter Academy is a shining example of how targeted support and community engagement can make a significant difference in the lives of students. Lara Sharp, Dean of the School of STEM

As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers several STEM-focused programs through the SSA. They include:

  • Student Success Program, which provides students with free resources and support services;
  • Summer Bridge Program, which gives students a head start before the start of the fall semester;
  • College for Kids, which provides opportunities for pre-teen and teenage children to learn about STEM;
  • STEM Internship program which is for STEM majors who want to gain experience within their field of study; and
  • Two-to-Four-Year Summer STEM Transfer Academy which prepares students who are ready to graduate and wish to transition to one of the Massachusetts public institutions.

Sharp said the award serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting underrepresented groups in their academic and professional journeys.

“STCC is committed to the continuation of increasing representation in all areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Sharp said.

STCC is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, which requires that 25 percent of its students identify as Hispanic. Approximately 34 percent of STCC students identify as Latino/a/x. About 60 percent of STCC’s students identify as female and 14 percent identify as Black.

Massachusetts residents who have not earned a bachelor’s degree can now enroll at STCC for free through the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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