Progress 07/15/06 to 07/14/10
Outputs
In addition to the developments documented in the previous progress report, we were granted a no-cost extension in order to solicit applications and identify an outstanding student who has benefitted from the growth of the environmental studies program and from the grant activities. Interviews were conducted in April of 2010, and a student was selected to receive the funding. Outreach activities have been ongoing. Industry standard equipment has been purchased and is being integrated into the curriculum to increase student exposure to work in environmental fields. PRODUCTS: Successfully identified an outstanding student that has benefitted from the growth and development of this program to receive a $40,000 transfer grant. An additional scholarship ($8500) was awarded to another outstanding student. Provided lectures and outreach to various campus groups and the general public. A one week intensive field course was developed in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service. Outreach activities were conducted with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, California State Parks, the UC Natural Reserve System, and the National Forest Association. Job shadowing was integrated into the ENVS curriculum. A film series is presented every semester to disseminate information about the program. The program has hosted many guest lectures. The website was regularly updated. Tutors assisted a total of 369 students and there were a total of 1415 visits to tutors for the final year of the grant (2008-09), a 21% increase over the previous year. Many students received mentoring for independent research. A campus EcoClub was established. Campus tours have been provided to local universities with relevant programs (UC Riverside and Cal Poly Pomona). The project director was funded to attend an industry workshop. OUTCOMES: We have seen significant increases in enrollment and retention of underrepresented groups. We have seen a 167% growth in students enrolling in an environmental studies course of study over the life of the project. The number of Hispanic students enrolling increased by 190%. Overall retention has increased from 77% to 89% and retention for Hispanic students has increased from 54% to 68%. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Contacts have been established and information disseminated to local high schools and colleges. Guest lectures were presented and press releases generated to increase awareness. Two large scholarships were awarded and presented at the annual scholarship breakfast, further enhancing the program's visibility. Press releases accompanied these events. FUTURE INITIATIVES: As a result of this project, we will continue to develop collaborative partnerships, increase our impact in the local community and strive to increase success and retention rates amongst diverse student populations. We will actively pursue future funding opportunities to continue enhancing this program.
Impacts
There has been remarkable growth in the number of Hispanic and under-represented students pursuing environmental science. We have seen an increase in the number of student visits to receive tutoring. There has been impressive growth in enrollment and retention by Hispanic students since the onset of this project.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/15/08 to 07/14/09
Outputs
Mt. San Jacinto College and collaborative partners engaged in a recruitment and retention program focused on continuing efforts to increase the enrollment, retention, and transfer success of underrepresented students in environmental science. PRODUCTS: Two lectures to Amnesty International, and one to Phi Theta Kappa. Facilitated a workshop on crop biodiversity. One week intensive field course was developed in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service. Outreach activities were conducted with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, California State Parks, the UC Natural Reserve System, and the National Forest Association. Job shadowing was integrated into the ENVS curriculum. A mentored student participated in the UCLA Global Innovation Forum. One mentored student presented at the Honors Symposium at UV Irvine. A National Teach-in on Global Warming was facilitated by a mentored student. A film series was presented to disseminate information. A scholarship ($8500) was awarded to one outstanding student. Guest lectures: Dr. Jutta Burger (Irvine Ranch Conservancy), Dr. Becca Fenwick (James Reserve), Gary Leavitt (Inland Empire Community Supported Agriculture), Tanisha Gibson (Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies), Phil Roulard (Tijuana River National Reserve), and Pam Johnson (The Living Desert). The website was regularly updated. Two tutors and one instructional aide were supported. Tutors assisted 369 students. There were a total of 1415 visits to tutors for the year, a 21% increase over last year. Seven students received mentoring for independent research. The EcoClub is active (17 members), developing a recycling program and networking with the community. OUTCOMES: Significant increases in enrollment and retention of underrepresented groups. We have seen a 148% growth in students enrolling and majoring in environmental studies during the first year of the project, and a 205% growth moving into the second year. The Summer Field Institute showed a 400% increase in the enrollment of Hispanic and other under-represented students, outpacing the 375% growth in overall enrollment over the last year. Students mentored under this program have become increasingly active on campus and in the local communities, which will likely generate future growth as well. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Contacts have been established and information disseminated to local high schools and colleges. One high school student and one California Baptist University student completed the summer institute. Guest lectures were presented and press releases generated to increase awareness. A scholarship was awarded and presented at the annual scholarship breakfast, further increasing awareness. FUTURE INITIATIVES: We will continue to develop collaborative partnerships. Currently, we are engaged in building such collaborations with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Elsinore-Murrieta-Anza Resource Conservation District, and the California Department of Fish and Game. We will offer tours to other potential transfer institutions. We will award a transfer grant ($40,000) this year.
Impacts
There has been remarkable growth in the number of Hispanic and under-represented students pursuing environmental science. We have seen an increase in the number of student visits to receive tutoring. There has been impressive growth in enrollment and retention by Hispanic students since the onset of this project (increases of >200% during the grant period in both cases).
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/15/07 to 07/14/08
Outputs
Mt. San Jacinto College with its collaborative partners (USDA Forest Service, University of California, Riverside, and University of California, Santa Barbara), developed a multidimensional recruitment and retention program focused on establishing a pipeline for underrepresented students enrolled/majoring in Environmental Studies AS degree programs at the community college level to Environmental Science baccalaureate programs at 4-year institutions. PRODUCTS: Outreach: Participated in Temecula Valley High School career day. Other outreach efforts involved guest lectures to members of the Honors Enrichment Program and the campus Amnesty International group. Developed materials including flyers for distribution to high schools and the campuses of MSJC. Field Institute:Obstacles that inhibited the success of the field course were discussed.The PD developed curriculum ENVS 110, Natural Resources, as a hybrid course to be taught primarily online except for the field component, which was to be one week of intensive field studies in the San Jacinto Mountains. In lieu of a collaboration with the USFS, partnerships were sought with a diverse group of public agencies including the Idyllwild Historical Society, the James Reserve (University of California Natural Reserve System), USFS Angeles National Forest, and San Jacinto State Park. In total, 12 additional students received professional exposure during the field week. Job Shadowing:Relationships were forged with the staff of the following organizations where students volunteered their time and effort and received job shadowing exposure:Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, UC Riverside Botanical Gardens, Inland Empire Community Supported Agriculture, Cleveland National Forest, and Valley Beautiful (urban ecology).Additionally, guest speakers were arranged including Wendy Sparks of the California Desert and Mountain Wilderness Campaign, Scott Sewell (California Department of Fish and Game), Steve Segreto (USDA, Angeles National Forest), Dr. Mike Hamilton (University of California Natural Reserve System), Mike Taggart (University of California Natural Reserve System), California State Parks Rangers, Dr. Robert Smith (Idyllwild Historical Society) Robin Keith, (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species), Lorna Lange (Joshua Tree National Park), and Tanisha Gibson (Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies). A website was created to disseminate information and advertise opportunities available to students in environmental science. Tutoring: 2 tutors and 1 instructional aide worked under the grant. The tutors worked with 418 students.Mentoring: A number of students involved with the Honors Enrichment Program undertook special projects in the environmental sciences. In year 2 of the grant, at least five students received mentoring in this capacity. Advising and Transfer Support Services:Provided on an individual basis to students interested in pursuing careers in the environmental professions. Additionally, two Opportunities in Environmental Science Seminars in May of 2008. These were catered events consisting of a lecture and film screening focusing on career opportunities as well as opportunities that have been made available to students on campus as a result of this grant. Served approximately 120 students. EcoClub:Founded in spring 2008. Currently 10 members that are active in the group, and recruitment efforts are ongoing. OUTCOMES: The grant project has been evaluated relative to three objectives. 1. Increase the number of Hispanic and other underrepresented students enrolling and majoring in Environmental Studies by 45 students (15 per year). Results: 2006-07 86 students enrolled/majoring in ENVS; 2007-08 127 students enrolled/majoring in ENVS; 2008-09 260 students enrolled/majoring in ENVS. 2.Increase retention of students in the environmental studies program so that completion rates increase by 5% per year. Results: 2005-06 to 2006-07 73 students; 2006-07 to 2007-08 97 students; 2007-08 to 2008-09 to date 153 students. 3.Increase the number of Hispanic and underrepresented students transferring to an environmental baccalaureate program by 8 students per year. Results: A request has been submitted to National Student Clearinghouse and is expected in mid January 2009. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Contacts were established and information disseminated about our program, grant opportunities, career opportunities, and the summer field institute to Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta Valley, Perris Union, San Jacinto and Temecula Valley School Districts, as well as to high school teachers in Anza. Additionally, the PD visited and delivered an introduction to opportunities in environmental science lecture at Temecula Valley High School. Informational materials were developed about the ENVS program and opportunities, as well as the field institute and these were distributed by counselors visiting area high schools at the end of the spring 2008 semester. Contacts were made with professors of Biology and other disciplines related to environmental science at Copper Mountain College, College of the Desert, Riverside Community College, and Palomar College. FUTURE INITIATIVES: A priority will be to continue to develop collaborative relationships with local agencies, government entities and universities, in order to provide career-related opportunities for students. Outreach efforts, including informational seminars about opportunities in the environmental professions, events directed at increasing involvement in the EcoClub, guest lectures and field visits. The PD and a full time faculty of the MSJC Biology Department are currently devising an independent research project at the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (San Diego State University) with the intention of utilizing the data collection activities as a teaching and mentorship tool for interested students. Will organize a college tour excursion for environmental disciplines, and will be providing students with the opportunity to compete for substantial scholarships. There is extensive interest in the scholarships we will be offering, generated by outreach activities in classes (both environmental science and in other disciplines) and extracurricular activities such as films and guest lectures. This is still a small and growing program, so the efforts to spread the word about scholarship monies will definitely prove useful in terms of encouraging a larger base of potential applicants.
Impacts
Targets for Hispanic Student enrollment are very close to goal in relationship to the Hispanic student body population. When analyzing the data of enrolled Hispanic students, the statistics show a great increase. One concern is the number of withdrawals which skews the counts and connectedly the percentages (2 out of 5 received a W). An interesting observation, however, is that the resulting Mean GPA for Environmental Science 101/101H is up from the base period 2004/05 to most recent 2007/08 period. It is anticipated that continued work in the Tutoring Center will provide target students the tools with which to persist in ENVS 101/101H to completion of a passing letter grade of A, B, or C. Observations and statistical analysis will continue throughout the duration of the Project which may become the basis for future Projects and USDA Grant Requests.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/15/06 to 07/14/07
Outputs
Mt. San Jacinto College with its collaborative partners (US Forest Service, University of California, Riverside and University of California, Santa Barbara) has begun to develop a comprehensive partnership to provide a multidimensional recruitment and retention program focused on establishing a pipeline for underrepresented students enrolled/majoring in the Environmental Studies Associate of Science degree programs at the community college level to Environmental Science/Environmental Studies baccalaureate programs at four-year institutions.
PRODUCTS: Since the initiation of the grant project, Mt. San Jacinto College has recruited, hired and trained staff, including a project director, instructional aide, two tutors and a summer instructor, to implement and manage the project. The project director, Michael Plotkin, Assistant Professor of Biology on the San Jacinto Campus, assumed the position in February 2007 following the departure of the original project director. Tutoring efforts began in earnest during the last three weeks of the fall semester 2006. A database outlining the number of hours students received tutoring as well as the course section for which assistance was requested by students has been developed. During the fall and spring semesters over 150 students received tutorial services. Because of the broad nature of the preparatory courses needed to fulfill transfer requirements the majority of assistance was extended to mathematics class students. Other classes tutored included Environmental Science,
Chemistry, Microbiology, Geology, and Physics. Summer Institute A memorandum of understanding between the United States Forest Service and Mt. San Jacinto College paved the way for a one-week (36 hr) Environmental Studies Institute, which was offered at a Forest Service site in Idyllwild, California, during the summer session, 2007. Seven students originally signed up for the course. One credit student and three noncredit students completed the course. Topics included natural resources management, US Forest Service mission and management activities, ecology, recreation management, forestry, & fuels reduction, botanical surveying and conservation, and threatened and endangered animal issues and conservation. Students were involved with activities relating to GPS mapping and navigation, recreation and visitor impact assessment, campground management, surveying treatment boundaries, monitoring treatment regimes, the use of weather monitoring equipment, forest health, and methods of fuel
measurement. Students had contact with Forest Service personnel. Students engaged in job-shadowing and mentoring by Forest Service personnel. In addition to the summer institute, career exploration has been promoted by a student Eco Club which was formed at Mt. San Jacinto College. With a dozen students at its core, the club has sponsored a beach clean-up, screened An Inconvenient Truth for the college community, set out recycling bins around our campus, and participated in our Club Fair. One Mt. San Jacinto College Environmental Studies student currently works for the U. S Forest Service
OUTCOMES: The grant project has been evaluated relative to three objectives. 1.Increase the number of Hispanic and other underrepresented students enrolling and majoring in Environmental Studies by 45 students. 2.Increase retention of students in the Environmental Studies program so that completion rates increase by 5% per year. 3.Increase the number of Hispanic and underrepresented students transferring to an environmental baccalaureate program by 8 students per year. Baseline data for the year before the project began has been collected. For example, in the 2005-2006 academic year, 17% of students (104 of 596) taking an Environmental Studies course were Hispanic. By Fall 2006, that number had increased to 23% (67 of 286). Data for Spring 2007 and Summer Session 2007 are not available.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Recruitment efforts for the project have focused on outreach to counselors at both the college and feeder high schools including three local school districts, Hemet Unified, Lake Elsinore and Beaumont. One of the early activities was an Advisory Breakfast in Fall 2006 which brought together representatives from outside agencies with faculty and students from Mt. San Jacinto College to provide an overview of the grant project and solicit advice and input. The project utilized the services of a currently enrolled Environmental Science student to assist with the outreach efforts to the local high schools. Outreach efforts were aided by the development of various promotional and marketing materials developed by the project director which were distributed to area high schools and the college. Due to the drastic changes in leadership, the development of the Environmental Science website has been delayed. Materials and content for the website have been developed by
the project director and will be completed during the second year of the grant project.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: Activities Planned for Second Year During the second year of the grant program the following activities are planned: -Finalize an Environmental Studies web page, as described in the grant, including transfer and career information and links -Develop a full-color brochure to assist in recruiting additional students -Initiate the scholarship program for Environmental Studies students -Develop a new Environmental Studies course and field studies program to be implemented during Summer 2008 for the Summer Environmental Studies Institute -Expand tutoring opportunities to include class-specific supplemental education tutoring opportunities. Discussion sessions will focus on a specific class reviewing lecture notes with peers enrolled in the same class. -Expand the course offerings, tutoring opportunities, and student clubs within the college, in particular to the San Jacinto campus -Feature project in a press release on the college website -Expand high school outreach
program For the Summer Environmental Science Institute scheduled for summer 2008, the college has developed a new timeline to account for the timely enrollment and parent permission process. Also, a new course in the area of natural resources has been developed and added to the curriculum for a first time offering in conjunction with the coming institute.
Impacts
After notification that the grant project was accepted for funding through the USDA HSI Education Grants Program, Mt. San Jacinto College began to develop a clear path to ensure the success of the project. During the first six months of the grant project; however, Mt. San Jacinto College experienced drastic changes in personnel including a Board of Trustee requested resignation of the President/Superintendent which caused a radical redistribution of responsibility areas within key instructional divisions. In addition, the original project director resigned to take a position at another institution. The loss of the original project director left a number of the objectives partially unfulfilled. Despite these challenges, Mt. San Jacinto College reassigned the project to a key instructional administrator who worked to recruit a qualified faculty member as the new project director, Mr. Michael Plotkin, who was approved by the USDA CSREES Project Manager. Although high
school students, teachers, and counselors were enthusiastic about the project and the summer institute, there were several obstacles to involving high school students in the various project activities. The time frames established for the development and outreach of the summer institute were too short to account for the required parent permission process (including the insurance forms and college enrollment procedures) between the college and high schools. In addition, many Environmental Studies students had already taken the course which the department planned to offer for the Institute.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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