Today, TCU’s STEM Scholar Program, based in the College of Science & Engineering, received the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. It’s the third time the STEM Scholar Program has been given this award. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). CSE’s STEM Scholar Program will be featured, along with 79 other recipients, in the September 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
Dr. Zoranna Jones, CSE’s Assistant Dean for Student Support and STEM Scholar Founding Director, says, “There are a lot of students who are interested in STEM, but those courses are hard. If someone takes that first class, and it doesn’t go as well as they want, they change majors. But we can stop them, get them in the door and say, ‘This is going to be hard, but here are some tools to prepare you.’ If they stumble, we can be that encouraging person who says, ‘OK, let’s try again.’ This program is essentially created to do two things. One: provide academic support, so that’s academic advising, tutoring, mentorship. Two: the enrichment part. We are providing opportunities to go study abroad, opportunities for networking with industry professionals, opportunities for internships.”
Over the summer, STEM Scholars were given the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. Students learned about volcanology, marine ecology, agriculture, and sustainability as they hiked an active volcano, did data collection on marine life in the Mediterranean Sea and visited a Sicilian farm. STEM Scholars also led the first-ever CSE STEM Summer Camp in July, which welcomed local students in grades 6 – 8 to spend the week learning about biology, engineering, geology, and computer science.
Dr. Michael Kruger, Dean of the College of Science & Engineering, says, “One of CSE’s greatest accomplishments is its commitment to impactful programs that integrate knowledge and experience through service and cooperative learning, research, internships, international study, and civic engagement. Our STEM Scholars are exceptional students, and we are honored to be involved in shaping their experiences on campus and out in the world.” There have been 34 STEM Scholars thus far, with five graduating last year in the program’s inaugural class. The average GPA of STEM scholars is 3.46, and the program has a 97% retention rate.
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in April 2023. For more information about the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.
About TCU’s College of Science & Engineering
In an ever-growing world of technology and STEM careers, science and research play an integral role in our future. The College of Science & Engineering at TCU prides itself on small class sizes and plentiful hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Students study and conduct research in newly renovated state of the art laboratories alongside faculty experts. More than 40 percent of the College’s undergraduate students are involved in research, and most participate in the Michael and Sally McCracken Student Research Symposium each spring. Students can choose from 39 degree options alongside more than 2,000 undergraduate students and 130 graduate students. Our faculty scholars lead the way into the future of science through advanced research, community involvement and prestigious grants and publication opportunities. We are dedicated to inspiring individuals to discover and apply science and technology for a better future. Learn more about the College of Science & Engineering and TCU’s STEM Scholar Program.
About INSIGHT Into Diversity
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today and is known for its annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs. In our Career Center, readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.
