There is an alarming global trend indicating that young people in the modern world are hesitant to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The crisis has resulted in a steady decline of enrollment in STEM academic programs. To address these issues The College of the Florida Keys proposes a project that will improve the STEM capacity of the College broadly, while also providing a particular focus on the flagship STEM Division of Marine Science & Technology (MS&T). The project aims to develop unique and exciting STEM career pathways that will remove barriers to entrance, reduce anxiety, and reward success as students transition from STEM academia to the STEM workforce.
The National Science Foundation grant award to the College of the Florida Keys entitled “Developing Reliable Educational Avenues to Manifest (DREAM) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Careers” is intended to assist and support high school students who want to participate as dual enrollment students in STEM related courses at The College of the Florida Keys. The lab fees are often expensive, and the DREAM STEM grant will cover those fees. To apply for Dual Enrollment support, click the link below. We look forward to seeing in the STEM classes and programs at The College of the Florida Keys.
*Please submit this application along with your essay to Dr. Patrick Rice at Patrick.Rice@cfk.edu
The DREAM STEM Grant is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) and will provide scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at The College of the Florida Keys. Costs covered under the Grant include tuition (in-state tuition only) and course fees (e.g. lab fees) for STEM programs at CFK as long as students continue to meet eligibility requirements. Please note that if you are subject to out-of-state tuition, the grant will only cover the in-state tuition amount and the student will be responsible for any remaining tuition.
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Increase the STEM educational capacity at CFK
- Objective 1. Renovate CFK Math Learning Center into DREAM STEM Learning Center
- Objective 2. Procure commercially available STEM VR/AR for DREAM STEM VR Lab
- Objective 3. Develop state-of-the-technology DREAM STEM VR training laboratories
- Objective 4. Renovate the dive trailer to create the DREAM STEM mobile recruitment unit
- Objective 5. Develop STEM VR/AR for CFK Marine Science & Technology courses.
- Objective 6. Develop innovative STEM courses to enhance current STEM academic programs
Goal 2: Increase enrollment in STEM academic programs at CFK
- Objective 1. Develop the DREAM STEM policies and procedures to promote enrollment
- Objective 2. Develop mechanisms to cover the cost associated with STEM courses
- Objective 3. Develop and implement recruitment plan with the Monroe County STEM Coordinator
Goal 3: Increase retention and graduation in STEM academic programs at CFK
- Objective 1. Establish the DREAM STEM Council
- Objective 2. Develop and implement DREAM STEM Ambassador program
- Objective 3. Assemble the DREAM STEM support team
- Objective 4. Develop a DREAM STEM professional network
Goal 4: Increase transitions into STEM workforce
- Objective 1. Develop paid professional internships
- Objective 2. Utilize DREAM STEM professional network
- Objective 3. Host an annual DREAM STEM Career Fair
Goal 5: Conduct Institutional research on DREAM STEM impacts
- Question 1. Is VR technology an effective tool for increasing interest in CFK STEM programs?
- Question 2. Will participation in the DREAM STEM program increase retention and completion in STEM programs at CFK?
- Question 3. Will paid professional internships for DREAM STEM participants significantly increase graduate transitions into the STEM workforce?
Goal 6: Meet all reporting requirements
