STEM DEPARTMENT: CYPRESS COLLEGE - FIELDWORK
- kaugsburger
- May 25, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: May 25, 2019
Date/Semester
Spring Semester 2019
Learning Domains Addressed
o Education
o Social Justice & Advocacy
Evidence
Learning Outcomes
1. SWiBAT successfully source, contact and secure internships related to the STEM field for
students.
2. SWiBAT develop professional relationships with the students of the STEM program in a mentor capacity.
3. SWiBAT successfully navigate community college spaces for future opportunities.
Reflection
This semester at Cypress College was a great opportunity to provide a contrast from last semester's field work experience at California State University, Long Beach. Last semester I spent significant time and energy helping move the Beach (food) Pantry's mission forward. It was a passion project but I also did not want to repeat that same kind of experience. Cypress College provided the obvious difference in that it is a community college and not a Cal State. During my time at Long Beach, I was essentially given an open door policy to every department in the Student Union and even beyond that. It was truly a great experience that helped me navigate the space. I was hoping this would carry over to Cypress. I also went into the position thinking I would be in charge of some assessment projects, which would be different from program development. While both of these expectations did not come to fruition, I did have a great opportunity to do something significant at the STEM department.
It was decided early on that I could dedicate my time to sourcing, contacting, and securing internships in STEM fields for the students. I had strong initial success, securing up to eight in the first month. By the end of the semester, we had 13 set up. This is short of the 20 we anticipated but I am still proud of the work. The students were also phenomenal and made it easier to put for as much effort as possible. My only concern is that I was not able to see the structures outside of the STEM department, but moving forward I think there will more opportunities.
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