West Hills College Coalinga (WHCC) has launched an innovative program Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program with the help of a grant called Creating HSI Opportunities for Research and Undergraduate Support (CHORUS). The CHORUS program aims to improve the STEM experience for students and increase recruitment and persistence in STEM programs of study. It leverages cross-sector partnerships to expose students to STEM speakers, peer mentoring, and community-college unique undergraduate research experiences.
The CHORUS program is based on the understanding that STEM Identity is critical to the success of students pursuing STEM programs, particularly for minority students who face additional barriers to STEM access. STEM Identity refers to the ability of students to envision themselves as STEM students and professionals, and it links to more significant gains in learning, retention, participation in campus activities, employability, and cognitive and behavioral health.
The CHORUS program aims to smooth critical transitions between high school and community college and enhance teaching and learning in STEM disciplines. The program is designed to achieve three outcomes: increase recruitment in STEM majors, increase fall-to-fall persistence of current and first-time STEM majors at WHCC, and increase student STEM Identity through professional development in STEM fields.
The CHORUS activities include developing course-integrated research with faculty-guided STEM projects in Chemistry and Physics, developing a strength-based peer mentor program with existing WHCC STEM students matched with students participating in the study, creating virtual artifacts of student research projects through an annual Symposium Showcase in coordination with marketing departments, and performing research investigation and annual project evaluation to assess milestones achieved and objectives met over the five-year project duration.
"The CHORUS program has the potential to transform the STEM experience for students at WHCC," said Dr. Ken Henry, Chemistry Instructor at West Hills College Coalinga. "By integrating research activities into early coursework and providing students with opportunities for peer mentoring and exposure to STEM speakers, we can enhance teaching and learning in STEM disciplines and increase student STEM Identity."
On April 24, 2023, WHCC held its 1st Annual NSF STEM CHORUS Forum, featuring WHCC Chemistry and Physics student research. The topics included chemical reactions, research on the Tesla Coil, Sound Responsive Lights, and more. This forum showcased the progress made by the CHORUS program and its potential for improving the STEM experience for students at WHCC.
The CHORUS program is a testament to the power of partnerships and collaboration in improving the educational outcomes of students. With support from supplemental state programs, administration, faculty leadership, and student readiness, CHORUS is primed to transition WHCC from a Liberal Arts college to a STEM institution. The CHORUS program's success has the potential to impact not only the students at WHCC but also other community colleges and rural Hispanic Serving Institutes nationwide.
