Progress 07/01/07 to 06/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In year four 2012 Santa Ana College (SAC) Partnership for Transfer Success (PTSP) program was granted an additional twelve months no cost extension. In order to continue to support the disbursement of the final installment of $12,500, of the $25,000 scholarship awarded to program participant Ricardo Hernandez, who is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. This goal has been met. Over the entire award period, over one thousand underrepresented students were introduced to USDA related educational opportunities and careers, surpassing the grant's initial target. Our second goal was to recruit forty students in targeted majors to participate in a cohort program involving focused counseling, support services and experiential learning opportunities. This goal has been exceeded as a total of forty nine students were recruited (thirty of these students were Hispanic/Latino). Of these, students ninety five percent transferred to the university, meeting another program goal. Further eighty percent of program participants transferred within three years of their first semester at SAC, as compared to twelve percent of the general SAC transfer population. This is especially notable given that the majority of our students are Hispanic/Latino STEM majors' population that tends to have lower transfer rates within this time frame. PARTICIPANTS: As a result of the PTSP/USDA initiative greater collaboration has been fostered with Cal Poly Pomona University, in particular the Food Science and Nutrition Program, and the University of California Irvine, through their participation in the Advisory Board. Locally this benefit has also impacted our internal collaboration with faculty in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Nutrition, MESA Program, and the Counseling Division at Santa Ana College. Another positive impact has been in-servicing sixteen counseling faculty members regarding student prerequisites needed for Food Science and Nutrition Majors for Cal Poly Pomona, and informing them about the career and employment outlook in those fields. In addition our program participants benefited by field trips, career panels, presentations and internship opportunities with the following agencies: Acacia Adult Center, City of Santa Ana, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Latino Health Access, Mar Vista Institute of Health, Newport Source, OC Human Relations, Physical Science Center, Santa Ana College, Saint Joseph's Hospital, Under Fabric, USDA Forest Service, and Women Infants, and Children (WIC). TARGET AUDIENCES: During this last extension period of this grant the only targeted audience was the student recipient of the $25,000 scholarship. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Over one thousand students participated in program activities aimed at raising awareness about USDA related careers throughout the award period. Also, during that time, a total of thirty eight students out of forty completed the program and transferred to the university, exceeding the eighty percent target rate. Out of the thirty Latino/Hispanic students twenty eight transferred successfully (ninety three percent). Further, twenty one Hispanic/Latino students participated in an internship experience (out of thirty two total students). The scholarship and stipends paired with the individualized support services contributed to a high persistence and transfer rate among program participants. Further, funding for students to attend conferences and professional meetings had a positive impact on students' skills, instilled confidence and motivated them to continue in their chosen field. As a result, our program students will be well prepared for university studies and for the workforce in USDA related careers. The program has also impacted the campus community, as more faculty and staff members are now aware of USDA related opportunities, and several other subsequent USDA grants have been secured and are in progress at this time.
Publications
- No publications were produced during this last extension period 2012
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Progress 07/01/10 to 06/30/11
Outputs
The Santa Ana College (SAC) Partnership for Transfer Success (PTS) program was granted a twelve-month no cost extension in order to continue to support the students who had been recruited into the program but were delayed in their original transfer plans, largely due to changes or reductions in university transfer admissions. Additionally, the student selected for the scholarship was supported during his first year at the university. During this period, the program continued to raise awareness of USDA related careers in the campus community. Over the entire award period, over one thousand underrepresented students were introduced to USDA related educational opportunities and careers, surpassing the grant's initial target. Our second goal was to recruit forty students in targeted majors to participate in a cohort program involving focused counseling, support services and experiential learning opportunities. This goal has been exceeded as a total of forty nine students were recruited (thirty one of these students are Hispanic/Latino). Of these students, eighty percent transferred to the university, meeting another program goal. Further, thirty percent of program participants transferred within three years of their first semester at SAC, as compared to twelve percent of the general SAC transfer population. This is especially notable given that the majority of our students are Hispanic/Latino STEM majors, populations that tend to have lower transfer rates within this time frame. PRODUCTS: Fifty-four activities were held in 2010-2011 including one field trip to CSU Pomona College of Agriculture attended by seventeen students, one career panel with forty students, and thirty individual counseling appointments. The program also supported registration fees for three students to attend the Mexican American Engineers and Scientist Conference on September 29, through October 2, 2010 in Anaheim, California; transportation and registration fees for six students to attend the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Conference held in Overland Park, Kansas on March 31, 2011 through April 2, 2011; and for three students to attend the Annual California Dietetics Conference in Pasadena, California on April 30, 2011. These activities were made possible through collaborations with various agencies and institutions, including California State University, Pomona, and the USDA Forest Service. OUTCOMES: Over one thousand students participated in program activities aimed at raising awareness about USDA-related careers throughout the award period. Also, during this time, a total of thirty eight students completed the program and transferred to the university, exceeding the eighty percent target rate. Of these transfers, seventy four percent (twenty eight) are Hispanic/Latino students. Further, twenty three Hispanic/Latino students participated in an internship experience (out of twenty eight total students). DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: One poster was created and presented at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference held in Alberta, Canada in June 2011. FUTURE INITIATIVES: In the final no cost extension period of the grant we will continue to make quarterly disbursements to the student awarded the scholarship. Program efforts to bring awareness about USDA related careers to underrepresented students are being continued by a second USDA HSI grant awarded in 2010. This second project has expanded outreach efforts to the high school level and created a learning community for SAC students interested in pursuing USDA related careers.
Impacts
The scholarships and stipends, paired with the individualized support services contributed to a high persistence and transfer rate among program participants. Further, funding for students to attend conferences and professional meetings had a positive impact on students' skills, instilled confidence and motivated them to continue in their chosen field. As a result our program students will be well prepared for university studies and for the workforce in USDA related careers. The program has also impacted the campus community, as more faculty and staff members are now aware of USDA related opportunities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/10
Outputs
In year three Santa Ana College PTSP has expanded its activities and impacted over one thousand students who were introduced to USDA related educational opportunities and careers surpassing the grant's initial target. Our second goal was to recruit forty students in targeted majors to participate in a cohort program involving focused counseling, support services and experiential learning opportunities. This goal has been met. While not all students have completed an internship, it is expected that all program students will do so in the upcoming year, thereby completely meeting goal two. PRODUCTS: Seventy-six activities were held in FY2010 including one field trip to CSU Pomona, and one to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, three advisory board meetings, two career panels, three cohort meetings, forty counseling appointments, one student internship presentation ceremony, and two program evaluation meetings. Five students were interviewed for the $25,000 scholarhip and one student was awarded. Seventeen students were placed in internships in agencies such as Latino Health Access, CHOC Hospital, Under Fabric, Irvine Ranch Conservacny, and Women Infants Children. PTSP also supported transportation and registration for 19 students to attend the Minorities in Agriculture,Natural Resources and Related Sciences Conference held in Orlando, Florida on March 24-27, 2010. OUTCOMES: The total number of students recruited for cohorts I and II exceeded the overall goal of forty students. A total of forty nine students were recruited, thirty nine remained in the program and continue with the same major, one transferred early, five students relocated schools, one student changed their major, and three dropped the program due to family problems. Program transfer rate was met with a total of thirty two out forty students who have transferred as of FY2010. Retention in PTSP remained very good and meets the proposal's goal of eighty percent at this time for both cohorts. The initial persistence rate target was eighty percent and at the end of year two, persistence is eighty percent (39 of 49). By Fall 2011 PTSP transfer rate will be ninety eight percent thirty nine transfers out of forty. The project awarded $22,500 in stipends to twenty program students and $35,000 in scholarship support. PTSP staff also facilitated student support activities for program students such as a transfer application workshop, and scholarship search assistance. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: One poster was created and presented at North America Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference held in Pennsylvania, on June 22-25, 2010. FUTURE INITIATIVES: PTSP will continue to support five students who were unable to transfer due to newly implemented transfer policies. Students will be provided with counseling support, one on one transfer assistance and internship placement. The $25,000 scholarship will be distributed during the 2010 academic year in three quarterly disbursements.
Impacts
Personal interviews and evaluations with thirty-two students from cohorts I and II indicated that all PTSP students are motivated to pursue a four year degree and are interested in USDA related careers. The stipends and support service in place have contributed to a high persistence and transfer rate among participants. Moreover, completing an internship experience has impacted students' skills, instilled confidence and motivated them to continue in their chosen field. As a result our program students will be well prepared for university studies and for the workforce. The internship component has also impacted the community, as over seventeen hundred hours have been contributed by program students. Our partnerships with Cal Poly Pomona and UCI continue to grow through the collaboration of the PTSP advisory board.
Publications
- June 2010 Partnership for Transfer Success poster in USDA careers/majors Cecilia Arriaza, Martha Vargas
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Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
In year two the Santa Ana College PTSP program has expanded its activities, and impacted over eight hundred students who were introduced to USDA related educational opportunities and careers, surpassing the grant's initial target. Our second goal was to recruit forty students in targeted majors to participate in a cohort program involving focused counseling, support services and experiential learning opportunities. This goal has been partially met with the recruitment of cohort II during this reporting period. While not all students have completed an internship, it is expected that all program students will do so in the upcoming year, thereby completely meeting goal two. PRODUCTS: Sixty-three activities were held in FY2009 including recruitment of twenty students for cohort II, two field trips one to CSU Pomona, and the other to UC Irvine, one faculty training, two career panels, four cohort meetings, twelve class presentations, eighty counseling appointments, one student internship presentation,and one external evaluation. Sixteen students were placed in internships in agencies such as Latino Health Access, CHOC hospital, Under Fabric, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy. The project awarded $28,700 in stipends to forty program students. PTSP staff also facilitated student support activities for program students such as an application workshop, resume writing workshop, and scholarship search assistance. In addition,PTSP also supported transportation and registration for eight students to attend the California Dietetics Association meeting held in Riverside, CA on April 24-25, 2009. OUTCOMES: PTSP recruited twenty new students (Cohort II) during year two. The total number of students recruited for cohorts I and II exceeded the overall goal of forty students. Retention in PTSP is very good and meets the proposal's goal of ninety percent at this time for both cohorts. Thus meeting our initial target rate. At the end of year two, persistence is ninety percent (37 of 41 minus 1 student who transferred early). Due to unexpected budget cuts resulting in the elimination of the spring intersession at Santa Ana College and CSU/UC universities not accepting students for winter and spring terms, six Cohort I students will have to transfer in Fall 2010. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Twelve class presentations in science and counseling courses introduced three hundred fifty new students to USDA career opportunities. FUTURE INITIATIVES: PTSP is part of a newly created committee of STEM programs on campus. As part of this collaborative, a series of activities designed to build awareness of STEM careers and opportunities "STEM Week" is planned for October 2009. The PTSP advisory committee will convene during the spring 2010 semester to select recipient of the $25,000 scholarship. Due to the aforementioned consequences of budget reductions, some of the PTSP students will have to transfer later than expected. A no cost extension will be requested to assist these PTSP students. Building on the success achieved through this grant, project staff will apply for a follow-up grant to develop a mentoring program for students majoring in USDA related fields. In this manner, we plan to continue promoting USDA related careers on campus and increase the number of students who transfer in those fields. Instead of the HACU conference, PTSP students will attend the 2010 Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences annual career fair and training conference.
Impacts
Personal interviews conducted by an external evaluator with twenty-five students from cohorts I, and II indicated that all PTSP students are motivated to pursue a four year degree and are interested in USDA related careers. The stipends and support service in place have contributed to a high persistence and transfer rate among participants. Moreover, completing an internship experience has impacted students' skills, instilled confidence and motivated them to continue in their chosen field. As a result our program students will be well prepared for university studies and for the workforce. The internship component has also impacted the community, as over eleven hundred hours have been contributed by program students so far. Our partnerships with Cal Poly Pomona and UCI continue to grow through the collaboration of the PTSP advisory board.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/01/07 to 06/30/08
Outputs
PROJECT PERFORMANCE: Forty seven total activities: (2 group meetings, 2 career panels, 2 field trips, 1 faculty training, 20 counseling appointments 20 classroom presentations) Cohort Meetings: At our first cohort meeting students were welcomed into the program. At our second cohort meeting student submitted their resume to be critiqued by Santa Ana College Career Center. A total of 20 PTSP students attended each Cohort meeting. Career Panels: Fall 2007 we held our first USDA related careers panel. Speakers for the panel included USDA Forest Service, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, United Agribusiness League, and Cal Poly Pomona Food Science and Nutrition Department. A total of 7 SAC students and 4 counselors attended. In spring 2008 PTSP hosted a second career panel. Panelist consisted of the USDA Forest Service, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Latino Health Access and the City of Santa Ana. The speakers provided students with insightful information about careers in engineering, nutrition, and environmental sciences. A total of 24 SAC students and 2 counselors attended. Field Trips: In fall 2007 Cal Poly Pomona hosted a visit for students interested in USDA related majors. A total of 11 students attended the trip. In spring 2008 UCI hosted a visit for students interested in USDA related majors. A total of 15 students attended. Specialized Counseling: PTSP participants met with the Director/Counselor, Martha Vargas, for a 45 minute appointment to update educational plan, and check on transfer and academic progress. A total of 20 educational plans were completed. Evaluation Summary: The following is an excerpt of our independent evaluator's report: Summary: PTSP clearly met the Year 1 objectives. The major strengths are: 1. successful recruitment that attracted a significant number of under-represented groups; 2. The components well thought out and likely contributed to the robust recruitment and retention for cohort 1; 3. The enthusiasm and dedication of the staff members is evident and interviews with students demonstrated 100% satisfaction with the PTSP and all students felt the program enhanced their ability to meet their goals. It is likely that a high percentage of students in cohort 1 will eventually transfer to UDSA related majors and potentially join the USDA. One student already transferred into a plant science major. A potential weakness noted was limited participation by counselors outside the program staff and faculty who teach the basic science courses. Greater interactions between the staff and the counselor's participation and faculty would ensure that the higher recruitment goals for cohort 2 will be met. PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS Career info binder-A binder was created with information on USDA-related careers. This binder is available to students and staff. Internships- Six students have started their internships and the rest will be starting in late summer/fall. Students in this first cohort have until the end of next spring to complete the internship. Posters and brochures were developed for recruitment purposes. Student stipends-All eligible cohort 1 students (18) received a stipend of $300 at the end of the first semester of participation (Spring 2008). Faculty in-service- 10 counseling faculty attended this training in which a Cal Poly Pomona faculty member discussed the Agriculture department programs and requirements. OUTCOMES: OUTCOMES Cohort Meetings: The outcome of the first cohort meeting is that students were oriented into the USDA/PTSP program, and received a transfer portfolio, which includes all the necessary information to complete the transfer process. During the second cohort meeting the students gained valuable information on resume preparation which will be beneficial to them in securing internships and job opportunities. Counseling Appointments: Twenty Student participants completed a four semester educational plan which included potential transfer date, as well as detailed general education and major requirements necessary to transfer to the university of their choice. All students in the PTSP cohort are programmed to transfer by either fall 2009 or spring 2010. Stipend: After two students dropped the program (due to personal problems) 18 participants received a $300.00 stipend at the end of spring 2008. This money has had a positive impact on the retention of our low income students. Career Panels: Thirty one students participating in two career panels hosted by the PTSP USDA project received information about potential jobs and internships in USDA related fields from the USDA Forest Service, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Latino Health Access, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, United Agribusiness League and Cal Poly Pomona Food Science, Nutrition and Agricultural Departments. Field Trips: Eleven PTST participants made a connection with Cal Poly Pomona Faculty and students while getting first hand exposure to activities related to food science technology such as processing of skim milk, the biochemical composition of ice cream, as well as carbonation and water chemistry and DNA extraction from strawberries. The 15 PTSP students who visited UCI participated on a campus tour and gained information on research opportunities at UCI. Internships: Currently six students are participating in internships with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, City of Santa Ana, Latino Health Access, and Children's Hospital. It is expected that the remaining 14 students will complete their 100 hour field work experience by the end of summer 2009. Students are gaining valuable work experience and networking opportunities in USDA related fields, in fact one of our students has been hired at his former internship site. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES One hundred PTSP/UDSA posters were posted in classrooms, counselor offices and prominent places on campus. A program brochure was produced, and 1000 copies were mailed to potential participants. A program website was created: http://www.sac.edu/students/counseling/transfer_center/pts.htm The PTSP/USDA project was highlighted in the SAC President's annual report to the community. (p. 5) Classroom presentations in 20 USDA related subject courses were done fall 2007and summer 2008, to recruit potential students for this project and to promote awareness of USDA related careers. (410 total student count) Information on PTSP activities was e-mailed to students registered with the University Transfer Center. (1500 student circulation) PTSP program information is included in our monthly University Transfer Center Briefs which are E-mailed campus wide. FUTURE INITIATIVES: FUTURE ACTIVITIES The second cohort of 25 students will be recruited fall 2008. These students will receive $300.00 per semester upon completion of the program requirements. FN 263 Introduction to Research Methods for Food Science and Nutrition Majors will be taught by Dr. Douglas Lewis, at Santa Ana College. This course was programmed for summer 2008. Due to logistical difficulties with the admission departments at both SAC and Cal poly Pomona, the course will be taught fall 2008. Two additional career panels will be scheduled 2008-2009. By the end of the project period, 40 PTSP cohort participants will complete their 100 hour field work and receive $1,000.00 scholarships. Two additional field trips as well as 2 career panels are scheduled for 2008-2009. Two PTSP/USDA Advisory Board meetings are programmed for 2008 - 2009. The goal of the first meeting is to have the committee establish the selection criteria for the $25,000.00 scholarship which will be awarded to one student at the end of this project. PTSP USDA will be sponsoring students to attend a professional conference for Spring 2009.
Impacts
IMPACTS As a result of the PSTP/USDA initiative greater collaboration has been fostered with Cal Poly Pomona University in particular the Food Science and Nutrition Program, and the University of California Irvine, through their participation in the Advisory Board. Locally, this benefit has also impacted our internal collaboration with SAC Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Nutrition Departments, MESA, the Counseling Division, Service Learning, the University Transfer Center and the Career Center. Another positive impact has been in-servicing 16 SAC counseling faculty regarding student prerequisites needed for Food Science and Nutrition Majors for Cal Poly Pomona, and informing them about the career and employment outlook in those fields. The internship component has a potential impact of contributing 4,000 hours of USDA related field work in our community. In this first year 600 hours were completed. Financial difficulties are a major barrier for our SAC students. Receiving $300.00 per semester for books, plus $1000.00 at the completion of their internship can alleviate major stress and allow students to focus on their studies while preparing for their careers especially during these economically challenging times. In summary all these program activities have had a long term impact in exposing our students to transfer information, travel opportunities, community involvement, and potential employment resources, while supporting and preparing them for the workforce especially in the areas of high demand as well as bringing about an awareness/appreciation for USDA fields.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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