Cañada College: A Regional Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education.

Since 2000, enrollment in mathematics at Cañada College has increased more than 60 percent. During the same time period, enrollment in biology has nearly tripled. Why? Because students and parents recognize Cañada has become a regional center for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

In the past six months, Cañada has received $3 million in grants from the federal government to help educate students in STEM fields. A new summer mathematics bridge program and summer engineering institute are being established. New curriculum is being developed and news ways of teaching are being implemented to help students succeed.

Included in the grant money is $600,000 from the National Science Foundation for scholarships. Students majoring in STEM-related fields are eligible for up to $15,000 over a three-year period, including $4,000 the first year they transfer to a four-year university or college. More information is available at http://www.canadacollege.edu/NSFscholar/

Cañada's Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program continues to be funded through a grant from the California Community College Chancellors Office and supports students working to transfer to a 4-year university.  The MESA program engages students in math and science study groups, field trips to 4-year universities, workshops with industry professionals and provides a place for students to study and make friends with other math, science and engineering majors.

“Because we serve Silicon Valley – a global center for technological research – it’s imperative that we provide quality educational opportunities for students in math and science,” said Thomas Mohr, president of Cañada College. “We have worked hard to attract the federal money needed to turn Cañada College into a regional center for STEM education.”

The college has also established a new Honors Transfer Program designed to support highly motivated students as they pursue their educational goals for graduation and transfer. Honors students benefit from studying in a research-rich environment with other students dedicated to a rigorous exploration of academic, intellectual, cultural and social issues. Students from all backgrounds and in all majors are encouraged to participate in honors classes. The first classes begin this fall. More information is available at http://canadacollege.edu/honorsprogram/.