 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207 |
Media Advisory |
Delta College Wins $3.8 million in Federal Support for STEM Programs
San Joaquin Delta College is the recipient of a five-year, $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve training of students in science, technology, engineering and math programs (STEM), according to an announcement from U.S. Rep. Dennis Cardoza. Initial funding in the 2011-12 year will provide more than $831,000 to the college. Full funding over the five years is contingent on Congressional appropriations.
The grant will help finance the creation of the Delta STEM Academy, a program designed to improve the success of low income and Hispanic students in key courses, and to increase the number and percentage of students who complete degree programs and transfer to four-year universities in STEM majors. The grant will also finance $1.8 million in equipment for science, engineering, and computer labs at the college’s Stockton and Mountain House locations.
The Department of Education’s support for our college is noteworthy,” said Dr. Jeff Marsee, Delta’s Superintendent/President. “This is recognition of the excellent projects planned for this grant, and a validation of the real need for boosting the educated workforce of this region. This will have positive impact on our students and help our regional economy for years to come.”
The College’s current construction of its new Science and Math building will complement the equipment funding envisioned in the HSI STEM grant. Because of the grant, major equipment purchases will be possible in order to bring new lab equipment and technology into that state-of-the art building.
“Our professors are very excited about the new equipment that will come on line because of this funding,” said Bill Fellner, Dean of Agriculture, Math and Science at the college. “Delta students will be receiving excellent instruction in modern, well-stocked labs and classrooms. This is a proud day for our STEM faculty.”
Major components of the grant include:
· Supplemental instruction services for students enrolled in key gateway science, engineering and
math courses.
· Tutoring funds to expand math and science tutoring services at the college
· Equipment for biology, chemistry, physiology, microbiology, computer science, renewable energy
technology, and engineering programs at the college
· Internship opportunities and lectures and presentations by visiting scientists at the campus
· Staff to provide dedicated support services to the students to ensure they stay on track for course
and degree completion in STEM fields
“Activities in the grant are based on our knowledge of the best practices for motivating low-income and Hispanic students in the sciences, math and engineering,” said Dr. Kathy Hart, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction. “We are excited to implement the student support and tutoring programs that will emerge from this grant.”
San Joaquin Delta College's Measure L funded Science and Mathematics Building is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2012.
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