Kapi‘olani CC STEM Transfer Degree & Programs

Since 2005, Kapi‘olani has succeeded in using NSF and other external funding along with institutional assessment, evaluation, and planning to develop a unique Associate in Science/Natural Science (ASNS) degree program with concentrations in Life Science and Physical Science (see stem.kcc.hawaii.edu).  A key to the success of the ASNS degree is curricular engagement: teaching, learning and scholarship that engages faculty, students and community members in mutually beneficial and respectful collaborations.  The ASNS supports the institutionalization of various support programs including undergraduate research.  EPSCoR funding has enabled the further development of the college’s undergraduate research infrastructure, specifically research internships with KapCC faculty that aligns with the three research focuses (ECOGEM, ENDER, CYBER) of the EPSCoR IMUA III grant.  This growing infrastructure will be supported by a state-of-the art, research-based STEM Center, scheduled to be completed in Spring 2012.

The 2010 TCUP Grant final report for the STEM Program and ASNS degree lists:

• 378 Hawaiian STEM Students
• 22 Hawaiian ASNS Graduates
• 81 Hawaiian Transfers to 4-Yr STEM Majors
• 201 Hawaiian Summer Bridge Students
• 87 Hawaiian TCUP Peer Mentors
• 30 Hawaiian Research Interns

Additional STEM Program initiatives which support the ASNS Transfer degree goals:

1. Summer Bridge Programs
2. Peer Mentoring and Peer-led unit study
3. First Year Service-Learning in Science Courses
4. EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Experiences
5. Articulated Transfer to UH Manoa and UHH
6. Faculty Engagement and Professional Development
7. Private and public sector partnerships

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