STEM@CSM: Expanding Opportunity in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

About the Grant

The STEM@CSM Title V Grant is a federally funded initiative designed to increase equity and success in STEM fields for Hispanic, first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students. Entering its final year (2021–2026), the grant has strengthened academic pathways, created innovative programs, and built a stronger sense of belonging for STEM students at the College of San Mateo.

Our Four Strategies

1. Centralized STEM Center-Math Resource Center (MRC)
   The STEM Center has become the hub for academic success — offering tutoring, workshops, mentoring, and financial coaching.

• • 2,000+ student visits per semester
  • 72.7% gateway math success for Hispanic students
  • New Math Summer Bridge to prepare incoming students

Learn more: Visit the MRC in Building 18, Room 202

2. Research & Internships
   We are building bridges between the classroom and the workforce through paid internships, career workshops, and undergraduate research opportunities.

• • Partnerships with employers & startups
  • Transfer Student Ambassadors supporting peers
  • UC campus tours & Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) prep workshops

See opportunities through CSM Career Services and MESA.

3. Curriculum & Equipment Upgrades
   STEM@CSM has invested in modern labs, curriculum redesign, and embedded tutoring to help students succeed in transfer-level math and science.

• • +85% increase in Calculus I tutoring visits
  • Expanded Statistics study sessions (+32% support hours)
  • Updated lab equipment in chemistry, biology, and engineering
  • Student assistants providing hands-on lab support

Explore programs in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and more.

4. Science Faculty Institute for Teaching & Learning (SFIT)
   Behind every student’s success is a professor who believes in their potential. Through SFIT, faculty are reshaping classrooms with inclusive, equity-focused teaching.

• • 30+ faculty trained in equity-centered pedagogy
  • Cross-campus collaborations with MESA and Business and Technology programs

 Learn more about SFIT’s Mission here

Impact Highlights (2021–2025)

• 6,000+ students supported through the STEM Center
• 100+ faculty engaged in equity and professional development
• 72.7% Hispanic student success in gateway math courses
• 3+ employer partnerships for internships and research
• New Math Summer Bridge launched for incoming students

“This institute gave me the tools to teach differently — and more importantly, to teach in a way that truly reaches my students.” – STEM Faculty

HSI Committee: Advancing Equity Through Dialogue & Action

The HSI Committee at College of San Mateo plays a vital role in building a culture of servingness by bringing faculty, staff, and students together to explore equity in higher education.

Speaker Series

The committee has hosted nationally recognized leaders in the HSI movement, including:

• Dr. Gina Garcia – Author and national expert on equity in HSIs
• Additional guest speakers sharing strategies for culturally relevant pedagogy and student belonging

These events provided faculty and staff with powerful tools to transform classrooms and services for Latiné, first-generation, and low-income students.

 Conference Engagement

Committee members also extend this work nationally by attending and presenting at key conferences:

• AHSIE – Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators
• NCORE – National Conference on Race & Ethnicity
• COLEGAS – California Community Colleges Organización de Latinx Empowerment, Guidance, Advocacy for Success

Through these spaces, CSM faculty and staff gain insights, share best practices, and return with innovative strategies that strengthen our campus commitment to equity.

“The HSI Committee ensures we stay connected to national conversations while rooting the work in the lived experiences of our students.”