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

2. 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 

3. 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 

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

5. 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 

6. 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

7. Participating Programs
Biology
Chemistry
Welding Technology
Architecture Technology
Transportation Technology
Construction Technology
Fashion Technology
400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 

8. 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 

9. 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 

10. 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 

11. 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 

12. Leticia Barajas barajal@lattc.edu
Questions
Thank you ....
Contact:
Leticia Barajas
400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 