WCC has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation to help fund its Pre-College STEM initiative for two years.
The intensive two-week WCC program is designed to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields while helping students strengthen their math and writing skills. The goal is to prepare students to meet minimum requirements for entering college level courses, expose them to and engage them in STEM fields, and introduce them to skills that will help facilitate their success in college.
“Because everyone has different interests and needs, the Pre-College STEM initiative is tailored to be relevant for each student,” said Rose B. Bellanca, WCC president. “If math, reading, and writing skills need improvement, students will be guided to sessions for those skills. They will also receive helpful information on how to manage test anxiety, access financial aid, and take advantage of support services at the College,” said Bellanca.
“There are so many bright students in our community,” said Nagash Clarke, who teaches chemistry at the College in addition to developing and overseeing the WCC Pre-College STEM program. “We want them to expand their view of what’s possible and think to themselves, ‘Why not take physics? Why not major in chemistry? Why not find the cure for cancer?’ We are especially grateful to the DTE Foundation for the grant support for the program.”
The DTE grant will help fund faculty, program guides, and tutors. Faculty and tutors will assist with COMPASS testing review and preparation in math, reading, and writing. WCC faculty from various STEM disciplines will oversee hands-on STEM activities each day to expose students to various STEM fields and potential careers. The College will provide project support, supplies, and materials.
Twenty-four students are expected to participate. The program runs Monday through Friday, July 15-26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $50 and lunch is provided. For information about eligibility and the application process, visit the program’s website or contact Clarke at 734-973-3319 or nclarke@wccnet.edu.