Transfer Pathways

The underrepresentation of Hispanic/Latino individuals in the STEM workforce mirrors the scarcity in STEM higher education, where despite initial interest, they are more prone to changing majors or dropping out compared to their White peers. Although there has been an increase in Hispanic/Latino students earning STEM bachelor’s degrees, they remain underrepresented in STEM degree recipients and are less likely to attain a college degree than any other racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic/Latino STEM students are also more likely to be enrolled in community colleges than in 4-year institutions, with many aiming to transfer to public universities for a quality STEM education. However, STEM students at community colleges face challenges such as part-time enrollment, developmental courses, and higher dropout rates compared to those in 4-year institutions. To address these issues, initiatives like the Department of Education’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) STEM and Articulation Program provide support to increase Hispanic/Latino and low-income students’ STEM degree attainment. The Title-III funded Student Success and Transfer Articulation through Research and Support Services (STARS) project at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) in partnership with Citrus College (Citrus), and Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) aims to increase Hispanic/Latino and low-income STEM student success and diversify the community of STEM scientists.

Benefits

Through Transfer Pathways, Cal Poly Pomona will award an admissions advantage to Citrus and Mt. SAC transfer applicants who complete designated course sequences that comprises certificates at their community college. With the completion of the designated courses and the admissions advantage, the STARS program seeks to achieve higher retention rates for these student transfers as well as expedite their graduation timeline, assisting students in completing their studies on time rather than prolonging their graduation.

Students can take the required courses to complete a certificate at their prospective community college, which would then translate to the articulated CPP courses. To view the required courses for certificates at Mt. SAC, Citrus College, and Victor Valley College, please view the Transfer Pathways Certificate (ppt).

Previous institution for 2-3 years, Transfer Pathways program at CPP for 2 years which lets students graduate more quickly.

Memorandum of Understanding

In Spring 2024, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between faculty from Cal Poly Pomona, Mt. SAC, Citrus College, Victor Valley College, and Cobblestone Applied Research & Evaluation.

Faculty and staff at the MOU signing.

Partners

Mt. SAC

Citrus College