The California Central Coast Community College Collaborative (C6-LSAMP, C6) is a National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Bridge to the Baccalaureate grant project (NSF/LSAMP/B2B). C6-LSAMP is a cross-disciplinary collaboration across eight California community colleges. The C6 alliance leverages existing support structures and best practices to address inequities in STEM outcomes for a population of students comprised of the underserved: Hispanic/Latinx and other traditionally underrepresented populations. The primary LSAMP population within the five counties served by the C6 colleges is Hispanic/Latinx. Within these counties, only 16% of Hispanic/Latinx residents 25 years or older hold a bachelor’s degree, compared to 51% of White, non-Hispanic residents. At C6 colleges, the Hispanic/Latinx vs White transfer gap is 16% (34% vs. 50%, respectively). Supporting and encouraging LSAMP student populations as they prepare to transfer is vital.
The C6-LSAMP project supports LSAMP students via three pillars: (1) Research Opportunities: Fall Research Symposium and university partnerships, (2) Academic Support: Embedded Tutors in gateway STEM courses, and (3) Professional Development/Career Exploration for students and for faculty: workshops, mentoring, and networking. Reinforcing each pillar is a commitment to create culturally sensitive, relevant and responsive learning environments.
This work-in-progress poster will report results from C6’s third Fall Research Symposium – poster presentations, networking and campus tours – held at, and in collaboration with, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in Fall 2025. This experience has not only exposed community college students to the university itself, but to the idea of doing research and design projects, and presenting their results. As non-poster presenters noted: “I didn’t know cc [community college] students were able to present a research poster.” and, “I felt encouraged to do my own research and present.” Such extra-curricular research and presentation activities are critical in motivating students to continue on their academic path.
The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025