Implementation Project: JCSU Bullprint Program

Johnson C. Smith University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) seeks to improve the success rates of undergraduate STEM majors by equipping students with the required skillsets to be successful in post-undergraduate education, entrepreneurial, and future career endeavors. Specifically, the Johnson C. Smith University Bullprint Implementation Project is a proposed adaptation of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Sustained Comprehensive Advancement of Learning and Retention (SCALAR) program framework. This project is designed to provide STEM faculty professional development in high impact pedagogical practices that enhance the learning experiences for students, amplify a global learning environment supportive of retaining students, and assess the interventions needed for sustained cognitive growth and development. The goals of the project include: a) strengthening the foundational STEM skills for new students, b) supporting the matriculation of STEM students through STEM academic degree programs, c) facilitating the development of interdisciplinary student supports and resources, and d) providing training to faculty and teaching staff in support of innovative course design. A mixed-methods educational research study will evaluate the impact of these activities on faculty capacity, student learning, artificial intelligence literacy, self-efficacy, and workforce readiness. Expected contributions include new knowledge on evidence-based instructional practices, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations. The project will strengthen institutional capacity and confirm the validity of the SCALAR model as an adaptable approach to STEM education that can be adapted by other institutions, while enhancing the impact of global learning and teaching, mentoring, and workforce experiences on STEM student learning, persistence, and career readiness will be established through evaluation and the educational research study. This initiative is expected to contribute to national knowledge on expanding STEM education practices in STEM at Johnson C. Smith University. This award is funded by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), through Implementation Projects, which supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based, innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students to pursue STEM graduate programs and/or career 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.