The goal of this program is to provide an environment to help retain students interested in STEM careers, while encouraging the growth of faculty-student relationships and more in-depth education of potential STEM careers. This opportunity will allow students to learn what kind of skills and training would be most beneficial to those interested in the STEM career field. The goal is to give students opportunities to work with STEM faculty and explore special interests within the students’ chosen degree plan as to better prepare for STEM careers, while developing communication skills, specialized knowledge, and hands-on experience.

 The purpose of the Supplemental Instructor Program is to support undergraduate STEM students through the more challenging courses in the different degree plans offered by the Agriculture, Life and Physical Sciences (ALPS) college. For “gatekeeping” courses (i.e., those identified as presenting an outsized barrier to student success in and/or acceptance into their preferred STEM major field coursework), Supplemental Instructors (SIs) will be recruited from high achieving senior-level students who have taken the same course in the past or graduate students. 

As an extension to our Faculty/Mentor Internship Program housed within the university, Title III STEM LTS is partnering up with STEM organizations within the Big Bend Community to pilot an external Internship Program. This opportunity will allow students to understand the necessary skillsets and training most beneficial as professionals in their field.

Summer field courses are frequently transformative for students in disciplines that involve fieldwork, often leaving lasting impressions and memories. To make these field courses more accessible, Title III STEM LTS is providing support for multiple field courses through scholarships, new equipment, technology upgrades, and additional resources.