A 3+8 Model of Undergraduate Research for Community College STEM Majors

Community colleges serve a significant proportion of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) fields, which includes 52% Hispanic students and 44% African American students. However, few minority and low-income students from community colleges transfer to 4-year institutions. Summer bridge programs that involve partnerships between 2-year and 4-year institutions are promising mechanisms for successful retention in STEM fields. Herein, we report the implementation of an innovative undergraduate research model for students attending a 2-year institution. The "3+8" summer undergraduate research program offers 2-year college students an opportunity to engage in undergraduate research at nearby 4-year institutions. This experience provides a foundation that allows 2-year college students to successfully make the transition to STEM programs at the 4-year institution. In addition, these students will feel more comfortable in large research groups that provide a supportive environment for increased retention, progression, and ultimately graduation in a STEM discipline.