Big Bend CC receives major STEM grant

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College officials eventually will add two new transfer degree programs, one in computer science and one in manufacturing technology, as part of a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant is designed to enhance the college’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) services, said Matt Killebrew, BBCC public information director. The grant was awarded through a program for colleges that serve Hispanic populations.

The five-year “Transforming STEM Pathways” grant includes about $2 million for new equipment, including cutting-edge technology in robots, Killebrew said. There’s also $345,000 to establish a permanent “peer advocate coach” program.

It’s the largest grant the college had received as part of its HSI (Hispanic-serving institution) status in the last eight years. Big Bend has received $21.7 million in Department of Education grants in that period. Programs paid for with HSI grants are open to all BBCC students, Killebrew said.

The grants “have goals and strategies for helping more Hispanic students complete college degrees,” Killebrew said. Big Bend is eligible for HSI grants due to the demographics and income levels of the district’s population, he said.

For the 2014-15 academic year, 473 Hispanic students were enrolled in the college's STEM programs, Killebrew said.

The college’s academic STEM program has experienced significant growth. “Enrollment in college-level math classes at BBCC is setting records, more than doubling since 2009,” Killebrew wrote. “There have been waiting lists for calculus classes for the first time in school history and enrollment in Engineering Physics has tripled.”

A previous STEM grant was used to implement the college’s Emporium program, for students who come to college needing extra help in math. The Emporium program has made a big difference in student success. “It is common for BBCC students in the Emporium lab to pass two developmental math classes (10 credits) in one academic quarter while paying for only one five-credit class, helping students save time and money.” The computer-based Emporium program was developed by BBCC faculty.

The college has partnered with local businesses, such as Genie, REC and SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers to promote STEM education and inform students of local opportunities and occupations, Killebrew said.