Implementation Project: Strengthening Undergraduate STEM Education through Supplemental Instruction and Summer Bridge Initiatives at Claflin University

Implementation Projects in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) provide support to address gaps in academic preparation and high rates of unsuccessful course completion in introductory mathematics and science courses through two connected activities. The project will integrate trained peer-led learning support in high-risk introductory courses through in-person and online study sessions. Additionally, the project will provide a six-week summer bridge experience for incoming students each year, with focused preparation in mathematics, scientific reasoning, programming, data analysis, hands-on projects, mentoring, and college readiness. The project is expected to strengthen students’ academic preparation, confidence, sense of belonging, and readiness for continued study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The goals of the project include: 1) Establishing a summer enrichment experience that prepares students for STEM curriculum; 2) Advancing STEM learning for majors with the support of enhanced supplemental instructions led by peer instructors; 3) Integrating hybrid, technology-enhanced collaborative study groups using active learning, problem solving, study strategies, and examination preparation, and 4) Examining student experiences through iterative feedback loops that support student, faculty, and program input for program effectiveness. The project is expected to enhance students’ academic performance, STEM self-efficacy, and help retain students pursuing STEM degrees and entering the STEM workforce. Findings from the project are expected to inform institutional practice at Claflin University and will provide evidence-based findings for institutions seeking to improve educational outcomes in STEM education. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.