Encouraging and motivating minority engineering students through summer research initiative

The 21st century ushered in a new era of globalization with an accelerated rate of technological developments demanding a work force highly trained in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. [Colleges] have been charged with preparing a well-trained student population in the STEM fields to meet these challenges and stay competitive in the global markets.

There is an imperative need to introduce students to a research environment where students can experience career relevance as a way to motivate them to keep pursuing these fields. By conducting research as part of internships with faculty members, students will be empowered to develop skills and will be motivated to succeed within STEM areas. Therefore, the summer internship initiative will narrow the gap between theory and application by making the theory relevant to existing research projects making the learning process interactive for students, thus increasing retention in the STEM areas. Hostos Community College of [City University of New York] CUNY has partnered with senior colleges in CUNY and the Goddard Institute of Space Studies 'GISS' in New York City to expand the educational horizon [and competitiveness] of [their] students. [This] is possible through collaborative research initiatives that develop and improve critical thinking and creativity skills, hands-on, team oriented, and interdisciplinary learning via collaborative research projects.

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