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THOMASVILLE, N.C., April 27, 2017 – Davidson County Community College (DCCC), is the recipient of a $25,000 Ribbon of Hope grant from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to develop strategies designed to boost the number of female students pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subject areas. The Females in Math and Science (FeMS) project will provide a comprehensive set of academic and student support services to increase female students’ enrollment, success, and completion of the Associate in Science degree at DCCC.
To create stronger pipelines from high schools to college, DCCC faculty will work with local high school science and math teachers and counselors to earlier identify female students showing academic potential and interest in STEM majors and careers. The project will serve approximately 20 students per year who will receive intensive support services such as proactive advising, designated coaching and tutoring services, and faculty mentoring. The FeMS project aims to increase enrollment in college-level math and science courses in the first semester, improve success rates in these courses, increase awareness and use of support services, and improve academic progress toward degree completion.
“This is a great opportunity for female students in our communities who are interested in the STEM areas,” says Jennifer Sink, Associate Dean of the STEM disciplines at DCCC and co-project lead for the initiative. “We know that interest in STEM majors declines from the start of high school to high school graduation. Through connections with our local high schools, females who may not think they are college material will be nurtured and encouraged to pursue their STEM interests and eventually higher education.” Dr. Mary Rittling, President at DCCC, noted, “The STEM fields are experiencing tremendous growth and significant opportunity exists for careers that allow for economic mobility and family sustaining wages. We also know that women have been underrepresented in those fields. We are grateful to the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation for their support of this project allowing us to create opportunities that will strengthen our local communities.”
About the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation:
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations. Since its creation in 1986, the foundation has granted $71.0 million to support North Carolina projects and programs that emphasize the understanding and application of science, health and education at all academic and professional levels. Visit us at NCGSKFoundation.org.
About Davidson County Community College:
Founded in 1963, Davidson County Community College is noted for its quality educational programs and services. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, DCCC offers studies in more than 50 degree programs. A fully accredited, multi-campus college, DCCC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and is looking forward to serving students in Davidson and Davie counties for many years to come. The college is committed to developing minds, inspiring imaginations and preparing students for enhanced career and educational opportunities within a changing global environment. Visit Davidson County Community College at https://www.davidsondavie.edu.