Page 14 - Robeson Living Winter 2020

First Americans’ Pathway to

STEM Success (FAPSS)

Robeson Community College is moving forward with its goal tours; student STEM-related conferences and symposiums;
to increase American Indian student’s participation in STEM faculty and staff professional development; tutoring and
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses. RCC growth mindset student series. Ms. Moore will also assist the
has begun implementing its newly awarded grant, the First Evaluator with reporting and work with community agencies,
American’s Pathway to STEM Success (FAPSS). businesses and organizations to develop partnerships for stu-
dent work experiences.
Dr. Patrena Elliott, Vice President for Instruction and Student
Services Support, will serve as the Project Director. Dr. Elliott The two new Success Coaches hired are Phyllis Locklear and
is well-prepared to lead the project and has extensive experi- Juan Stimpson. They will help advise, assist with finding ad-
ence in program and curriculum development, and in advising ditional financial resources, and develop externships to AI
and mentoring students. students as well as promote growth and increase awareness of
cultural differences in the classroom. They will also support
Susan Mangum Moore has been hired as the Project Coordina- STEM faculty members to help grow new STEM program of-
tor and will devote 100% of her time and effort to the project. ferings and improve overall instructional abilities.
She will be responsible for working with STEM faculty to ap-
ply and implement an American Indian Science and Engineer- With the assistance of faculty, the STEM Success Coaches will
ing Society Chapter on campus as well as identify American be able to devote more time and attention to STEM majors and
Indian faculty and staff to develop and serve as advisors for the better communicate to students the requirements of the STEM
Native American Student Organization Chapter. curricula to ensure students are following program sched-
ules to complete program requirements for graduation. The
The inclusion of the student-led organizations will enable stu- coaches will also monitor AI STEM students’ progress via the
dents to be more involved in project-based learning with local College’s early alert system. They will consult with students
employers and businesses in the area, thereby increasing their relative to needs for tutoring, registration, financial aid or other
exposure to STEM-related careers and opportunities. issues that could impede academic success.

Other responsibilities for Ms. Moore include organizing and The STEM Success Coaches will also serve as resources to
implementing the following activities: the female STEM pro- connect students with external community resources, such as
fessional speaker series; campus cultural events; university Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) providers and

Page 14 Robeson Living ~ Winter 2020