CSTEP: Computer Science TransfEr Programs Transferring Computer Science Community College Students to Four-year Universities Black, Brown & College Bound Summit 2008 Cesar Guerrero, USF Michelle Kobus, HCC Dr. Miguel Labrador, USF

The Problem Americans’ interest in Computer Science is plummeting Undergraduate enrollment is down 59 percent over the last 4 years Incoming undergraduate women choosing to major in Computer Science between 2000 and 2005 declined 70 percent. Source: College Board, “2006 college bound seniors: Total group profile report,” 2006.

The Problem U.S. economy is expected to add 1.5 million computer science and information related jobs by Our education system is not producing enough highly skilled people to fill these critical positions Shortage of skilled technologists portends a crisis in our nation’s ability to remain globally competitive Diversity increases innovation and leads to the design of products and services that benefit a broader range of people. Computer Science is not a diverse field! Hispanics will account for one-fourth of the U.S. population by 2050 Women will account for more than half the increase in total labor force growth between 2004 and 2014 These minority populations, including African-Americans, are not majoring in computer science

The Problem US Hispanic and Black Population (Millions) Hispanic ProjectionsCensus Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1970, 1980, 1990, and Population Projections, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2050 Black ProjectionsCensus

The Problem Source: NCES S&E Indicators 2008 Earned Bachelor's Degrees for Minorities

Program Overview Flowchart

Program Overview Personal Transition Services Specialist (PTSS) Academic, personal, career, and college counselor Program Coordinator – recruitment, liaison, program logistics and planning Personal Transition Plans Supplemental Learning Leaders Peer-tutoring program in partnership with Academic Success Center Key courses Summer Programs I and II at USF Enrolled in “Gate Courses” Lunch-n-Learn Career Exploration Presentations given by Faculty

Program Overview Social and Educational Components Leadership Development Retreat Attend REU research presentations and poster competitions “How-To” Presentations Write a research paper, design and present a poster, write a statement of purpose School year at HCC Professional development workshops, industry visits Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at USF Junior year at USF Paid opportunity to work with faculty on research

Implementation Marketing Web site Postcards, brochures, flyers, posters In-class power point presentations Recruitment Target population Selection process Administrative Tasks Student registration process, USF ID’s, Orientation and HR meetings Parking permits, stipends, memberships, books Personal Transition Services Specialist (PTSS), Professor, TA, RA Online surveys

Program Costs and Funding Program Costs Infrastructure Student cost: year 1 ($1500), year 2 ($1900), year 3 ($3000) Tuition, parking permit, books, IEEE subscription, stipend. Obtaining Funding NSF - BPC USF & HCC funds Donations Scholarships

Participant Demographics First-Year Cohort (Starting Summer 2009) To be determined Second-Year Cohort (Started Summer 2008) All Male 1 African-American 9 Hispanic

Initial Results Programming Concepts Class GradeAllUSFCSTEP A1858%1362%550% B826%629%220% C516%29%330% ABCTotal Students who didn't have programming experience USF %29%14% CSTEP % Had taken previous programming course USF %40%10% CSTEP %0%25% Had programming experience (work) USF %0% CSTEP0000

Item Not Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Very Satisfied Not applicable Parking at USF 25.0%50.0%12.5% USF Library0.0%25.0%50.0%35.0% Labs0.0%37.5%62.5%0.0% Lectures0.0%12.5%87.5%0.0% Program Information 12.5%0.0%87.5%0.0% USF registration 12.5%37.5%50.0%0.0% CSTEP staff0.0% 100.0%0.0% Stipend0.0% 87.5%12.5% Initial Results Summer Program I Evaluation

Problems Encountered Students with no previous programming experience Struggled to succeed academically; resulted in low final grades Adjusting to USF Quality of attention and support, larger classes, more work, faster pace HCC Professor at USF Adjusting time, teaching style, and grading methodology Recruitment Timeline Started in the Spring – too late to make a difference in course selection Lack of attendance for CSTEP Orientation Missed out on pertinent information Indicator of the level of commitment

Lessons Learned & New Initiatives Faculty Tutoring Sessions Held during Summer Program I Students initiative Peer-Tutoring Network (Math, Physics, and Computer Science) Will support students all the way through the educational pipeline Certified through the National Tutoring Association Recruitment Timeline Starting in the Fall Semester to ensure correct classes are taken prior to Summer Program I New Partnerships HCC Engineering Club USF Polytechnic (AS to BS in IT degree)

Lessons Learned & New Initiatives Pair Programming An active and collaborative learning technique to be used in Programming Concepts Require students to take Programming Logic at HCC prior to Summer Program I Mandatory attendance at CSTEP Orientation Find additional funding to support more students Professional Development Workshops at HCC

Small Group Activity

1.What are other major-specific transfer programs you would like to see implemented? Why? Is there a high need for these occupations or a lack of interest? 2.What are the advantages and disadvantages of major-specific transfer programs for students? 3.What are the advantages and disadvantages of major-specific transfer programs for faculty and staff? 4.What additional initiatives would you implement if you could create a major-specific transfer program of your choice? Why? What are the benefits to students, faculty, and staff?

Q & A with Presenters All presentation materials as well as additional information regarding CSTEP can be found at:

Student Feedback “I’m excited about this program! Having supervision and guidance on what our next steps should be in college is great. College is a much bigger world than most students are accustomed to. It’s a plus to have the support of the other students in the program and an advisor helping us along the way.” “The most beneficial about the CSTEP program is the tutoring and guidance.” … “The constant support and "checking in" from the CSTEP staff, especially our advisor.” “Even if CSTEP would not pay for my classes and book at USF nor include stipend, I would participate in CSTEP. “ “I believe that programs like CSTEP should be extended to any students that would like to transfer to USF.” “I am grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me to be part of the Engineering department at USF and under such great leaders. “