UTEP and EPCC join forces to promote STEM education on the border

EL PASO – The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has partnered with El Paso Community College (EPCC) to foster the success of Hispanic and low-income students in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) fields. 

The effort will provide students with an innovative and effective option, as well as high-quality support resources and a streamlined mechanism for those seeking to transfer from EPCC to UTEP.

The initiative, called STEMFUERTE, is supported by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and focuses on undergraduate students who have never attended college prior to their enrollment at UTEP or EPCC. 

The program aims to address the root causes of the persistent underrepresentation of Hispanics in the STEM workforce. A 2021 study by the Pew Research Center found that while this group represents 17 percent of the total employed in all occupations in the U.S. economy, only 8 percent specialize in a STEM field.

“This grant will help UTEP improve pathways to science and engineering careers for underserved students,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson.

“Together, EPCC and UTEP are committed to ensuring that students participate in higher education, can seamlessly transfer between our institutions and can experience learning opportunities that transform our region,” said William Serrata, president of EPCC.

The project includes mentoring and health support, summer programs for skills development and acculturation, advising and assistance to students transferring from 2- to 4-year degree plans.

A major priority of the program is to ensure a seamless transfer of EPCC students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics to UTEP engineering and science degrees. EPCC contributes 86% of the students transferring to UTEP annually. 

Source: MEXICONOW Staff