Two University of New Hampshire chemistry professors spearheaded an effort that will support 30 students over three years who transfer into the university's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) from community colleges.

The $630,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will provide a financial and academic support program to approximately 10 students per year. This structure permits the formation of cohesive student cohorts who will receive a personalized introduction to campus culture and resources. In particular, the program will take advantage of the strong tradition of undergraduate research in CEPS as a mechanism by which students can become integrated into college culture. The program is called "CC2CEPS."

"It's about learning how to learn and how to take advantage of everything the university has to offer," said Sam Pazicni, assistant professor of chemistry. "Through our experiences we became aware of the plight of community college transfer students. The numbers don't paint a good picture."

Pazicni and Meg Greenslade, assistant professor of chemistry, found that few students transfer into CEPS from community colleges. Between 2009 and 2014, fewer than 15% of community college students transferring to UNH have elected a CEPS major; of those that do, less than half graduate, on average. CEPS enrolls approximately 1,820 students and community college transfer students account for just 3.5 percent of CEPS graduates.

"We had support and encouragement for this program from across campus," said Greenslade. One faculty member from every department in the college serves on a steering committee for the program. Faculty professional development is also a part of this initiative—via STEM Pedagogy Academies that will be hosted in collaboration with Victor Benassi, director of UNH's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, beginning in summer 2016. These academies will be open to not only UNH STEM faculty, but also faculty from area community colleges. 

Students from any community college are encouraged to apply to the CC2CEPS program if they meet the minimum requirements for admission into CEPS, are U.S. citizens or legal residents, and qualify for federal student aid. The admissions deadline is April 1, 2015, and the deadline to apply for the CC2CEPS scholarship is May 1, 2015. For more information about CC2CEPS contact: cc.2.ceps@unh.edu.