Professor of Psychology California State University, Stanislaus Turlock, California, United States
Program Abstract: California State University, Stanislaus is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that has offered residential, virtual, and hybrid versions of a two-week summer academy for incoming freshman and transfer STEM majors. Most of these students are the first in their families to attend college; all are from demographic groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM. The summer academy helps students develop their sense of belonging to the institution, to the scientific community, and to their STEM discipline, improving retention in their chosen majors. However, each of the three modalities provides unique challenges for the faculty and peer mentors who administer the academy, as well as for the student participants. Attend this session to share lessons learned and consider how you can structure a successful summer STEM experience on your campus.