Pathway to Excelencia (Title V Grant)

The Pathway to Excelencia grant strengthens CSM’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by advancing equity, innovation, and student success in STEM. Through seven strategies, the grant is transforming teaching, expanding support services, and building inclusive learning environments where Latiné, first-generation, and low-income students thrive.

Strategy 1: Undergraduate Research Course

Hands-on learning opens doors to STEM careers. Through Excelencia, undergraduate research was integrated into ENGR 100: Introduction to Engineering. Students now build robotic arms, design projects with Arduino, and work in peer-led teams—experiences that were once reserved for advanced majors.

Impact Snapshot:

• Goal is to reach 100+ students engaged in undergraduate research
• Research projects embedded into a gateway course

Strategy 2: Math/Science Community of Practice (Math CoP)

Faculty are rethinking how math and science are taught. The Math CoP brings instructors together monthly to tackle equity issues like microaggressions in STEM, group dynamics, and AI in the classroom. Faculty walk away with concrete changes to apply the next day.

Impact Snapshot:

• 5+ sessions facilitated every semester
• Faculty redesigned group work and classroom norms

Strategy 3: Chemistry Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)

Excelencia is paving a transfer-ready pathway in Chemistry. A faculty-led committee is aligning CSM’s program with state ADT requirements so students can move seamlessly into CSU and UC programs. Work will resume in Fall once CalGETC changes are finalized.

Impact Snapshot:

• Chemistry curriculum alignment in progress
• ADT pathway will expand transfer options for STEM majors

Strategy 4: Replicating the STEM Center

Equitable access means bringing services to students where they are. With Excelencia, tutoring, workshops, and counseling expanded to CSM Coastside mirroring the success of the main STEM Center.

Impact Snapshot:

• Expand tutoring visits at CSM Coastside in one semester
• Expand hours of academic support delivered

Strategy 5: Antiracism Training & Student Projects

Tutors and student assistants are leaders in equity. Excelencia funds antiracism training to ensure peer supports are culturally responsive. Students are also developing their own equity-focused projects, making their voices central to institutional change.

Impact Snapshot:

• 20+ tutors trained in antiracist practices
• Funding dedicated to student-led initiatives

Strategy 6: Multimodal Technology Expansion

Education should meet students where they are. Excelencia is upgrading classrooms with Multimodal technology, allowing students to choose in-person or online attendance without losing access to quality instruction.

Impact Snapshot:

• 3 Multimodal classrooms upgraded
• Flexibility supporting working and first-gen students

Strategy 7: Planetarium Upgrade

The CSM Planetarium is getting new life. Excelencia is modernizing this iconic space with state-of-the-art equipment to inspire K–12 outreach, STEM exploration, and hands-on learning for current students.

Impact Snapshot:

• Technology upgrades in progress
• Expanded community and K–12 STEM engagement planned