STEM Academy: Promoting Next Generation of Workforce Leticia L. Barajas Vice President, Academic Affairs & Workforce Development Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

LATTC – Setting the Context for Program Need One of nine in Los Angeles Community College District College focus on technical training 86+ yrs ~70% programs are Career & Technical Ed and 30% Transfer (Fashion Design, Construction/Utilities, Transportation, Culinary, etc.) 17,000+ students enroll each semester Lack of college-going culture Ranked #1 on the Educational Needs Index : Over 50% adults in service area lack HS diploma/GED 35.0% have less than a 9th grade education Only 35% enrolled in post-secondary education 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

STEM Summer Academy Goals Develop a pipeline of local high school students (youth) interested in careers related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Increase awareness of careers in STEM Increase math and science knowledge and skills Provide early start to earn college credits Increase youth awareness of sustainability issues 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

STEM Academy Program Summer six-week college credit program Serves over 200 students from local high schools Initial funding through HSI-STEM grant in 2008-09; offered each summer S – Biology, Chemistry T – Career Tech Programs including Fashion Technology, Transportation, Welding 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

Key Component– CTE & “T” in STEM Intensive college faculty CTE/Science involvement - curriculum design with contextualized education resources Meaningful collaboration with industry, local high schools, and community based organizations Development of an integrated administrative support and outreach function -Bridges to Success Center for recruitment, wrap around services and employment assistance 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

STEM Projects Examples Construction Technology – Design concepts and engineering Project: Build mini houses with utility conservation methods including solar panels and rain water collection and irrigation Fashion Technologies – Design, development and display of apparel using recyclable products and newly engineered fabrics Welding/Transportation – Development of solar-powered go-carts

Participating Programs Biology Chemistry Welding Technology Architecture Technology Transportation Technology Construction Technology Fashion Technology 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

Key STEM Successes Instructional consultation and curriculum collaboration among Science and CTE areas Increased visibility in STEM areas Dispel perception that CTE is NOT STEM Project-based multi-discipline approach Increase college visibility among students interested in applied science and technical areas 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

Results 72% increased math skills as measured by pre-test post-test analysis 80% demonstrated increased knowledge of STEM Careers based on a questionnaire Over half participants enrolled at LATTC following term Eliminated silos that existed CTE and Sciences/Academic 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

Impact and Evolution...College-wide Academies The Trade Bridge Academy (TBA) is a college-wide initiative that incorporates student support and instructional strategies to improve overall student success TBA is a commitment to continuously re-engineering and improving policies, procedures, and practices that are most critical for ensuring ALL Trade-Tech students complete their educational goals with expedience and excellence 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

Final Thoughts.... STEM Academy evolved from program-specific “boutique” program to a college-wide approach and philosophy impacting enrollment management, student support services and professional development 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations

Leticia Barajas barajal@lattc.edu Questions Thank you .... Contact: Leticia Barajas barajal@lattc.edu http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015  http://college.lattc.edu/wed/presentations