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  • 29 Who Shine

STCC STEM Starter Academy students thrive at conference in Seattle

March 15, 2024

STEM Starter Academy students who went to conferenceFrom left: Travis Canary, Hong Zhang, Jason Phillips, Bradley DeJesus, Zahi Haddad, Samuel Frechette and Samar Ghrear.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Seattle served as the vibrant backdrop for an empowering journey as five Springfield Technical Community College students joined their peers for the Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience from Feb. 18-21.

Against the backdrop of the iconic Space Needle and the bustling streets, STCC students in the STEM Starter Academy embarked on a transformative experience, embracing opportunities for growth, connection and learning.

“I definitely learned a lot while I was out there,” said Bradley DeJesus of Ludlow, an engineering transfer student at STCC. “Specifically, I learned how other colleges handle their first-year experience and what benefits they have gotten out of it.”

The STEM Starter Academy at STCC supports underrepresented student populations by providing equity and access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math majors and pathways to promote positive outcomes. The five students at the conference started their academic journey in STCC’s Summer Bridge Program, providing them an opportunity to get acquainted with college life.

STCC offers a number of programs and resources, such as the STEM Starter Academy, the Summer Bridge Program and the First Year Experience Course to help underserved and underrepresented student populations thrive during their time in college. The college’s First-Year Experience course address the many transitional needs of the new student by engaging with subject matter that prepares them to achieve in a collegial setting.

The Conference on the First-Year Experience Conference also brought together higher education professionals who shared experiences, concerns and accomplishments related to supporting the student’s learning, development, and success in the first college year. About 2,000 people attended.

Zahi Haddad, a professor in Engineering and Physical Sciences at STCC, accompanied the students to Seattle along with staff members Samar Ghrear, director of the STEM Starter Academy, and Jason Phillips, academic counselor.

I learned how other colleges handle their first-year experience and what benefits they have gotten out of it. Bradley DeJesus, STCC student

“It was a great experience for our students,” Haddad said. “They can see that what we’re doing at STCC is what they’re doing at other schools. We are all trying to find out what works and what doesn’t work, and it’s nice to find out we are doing the same thing as at the four-year schools and big universities.”

Phillips adds that educators can learn how to make the first year of college more engaging for students.

School of STEM Dean Lara Sharp said traveling to the First Year Experience conference equips students with the tools and confidence they need to navigate challenges.

“Attending a first-year experience conference is essential for students' growth and success,” Sharp said. “These conferences provide invaluable opportunities for students to explore new perspectives, connect with peers and gain insights that will shape their academic journey and personal development.”

The conference offered a platform for students to explore academic resources and foster connections with peers.

“It was important to bring the students there. They can learn how to network and how to travel,” academic counselor Jason Phillips said.

Jessica Phillips, a STCC student studying graphic design, said she had never been on an airplane before. She and the other students expressed their appreciation and thanks to STCC administrators and the STEM Starter Academy for making the trip possible.

“It was a great opportunity to attend, and listen to others,” she said.

Added Samuel Frechette of Russell, who is studying Electrical Engineering Technology: “This wouldn’t have happened without the STEM Starter Academy program.”

Other students who attended included Travis Canary of Palmer, a biology transfer major, and Hong Zhang, who came from China in 2021 and lives in Ludlow. He is an engineering transfer student.

“The conference was amazing,” Zhang said. “I’m really excited about traveling. Everything is new to me. At the conference, participants came from all 50 states and 26 countries.”

In Seattle, STCC students discovered a supportive network of peers who shared their experiences and aspirations. Through meaningful interactions and collaborative activities, bonds were forged that transcended geographical boundaries and enriched the collegiate experience.

“I don’t think I would have gone to Seattle without being able to attend the conference,” Frechette said. “I’m always trying to expand and better myself, and STCC has definitely helped me with that.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square,
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 781-7822
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