The University of Bridgeport has been selected as a recipient of the Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) Pilot Project called “Project Achieve”. This project aims to promote Hispanic achievement in Computer Science and Engineering using the Affinity Research Group Model. (Photo credit: Bogdan Vija, Shutterstock.com)
The project is under the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM and is estimated to through June 30, 2024. The initial and latest amendment date for the project is May 18, 2022. The intended award amount is $199,998.00, and the total awarded amount to date is the same. The New University of Bridgeport, Inc. is the Recipient Sponsored Research Office.
This grant, supported by the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program), aims to increase student retention and preparedness in Computer, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science (CS) majors, as well as increase their degree attainment at the University of Bridgeport.
The grant will also enhance undergraduate teaching strategies and provide faculty development. Barriers such as financial hardships and lack of research mentorship prevent low-income, first-generation, and minority students from completing STEM degrees.
Project ACHIEVE will implement the Affinity Research Group Model to give students the opportunity to participate in research experiences with faculty and graduate students. The project’s goal is to overcome barriers to entry and persistence among undergraduates in engineering and computer science degree programs.
The project will adapt the Affinity Research Group Model, which is built on a cooperative team framework to support creating and maintaining dynamic and inclusive research groups. It will pilot an intervention to mitigate known barriers to maintaining engagement in STEM majors and address questions about the acquisition of career-related skills, connectedness to professionals, and building confidence.
This project will inform the next phase of implementation, which will generate data useful for replication, adaptation, and increased knowledge about increasing student representation in STEM careers. Additionally, it will develop a community of practice for faculty to apply the model to other underrepresented undergraduates in STEM.
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