Stem Starter Academy Logophoto of students and staff
photo of student mentors
photo of students at wolf hollowphoto of students outside
photo of biotechnology students

STEM Starter Academy

Mission Statement:
The STEM Starter Academy (SSA) was launched in 2013 to build, enhance, and sustain the college's capacity to successfully graduate and transfer a greater number of students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) associate degree and certificate programs. Supported by the State Department of Higher Education and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the STEM Starter Academy's goal is to match the state's workforce needs in the ever-growing STEM career fields.


SSA fosters student awareness, interest, and academic success by providing a variety of opportunities through programs and services for STEM students. We are on a mission to recruit, retain, and graduate significantly more students in STEM pathways programs.


Objectives:
SSA will help to address gaps, promote alignment and build capacity to meet unaddressed student needs and to refine the model of articulated student support services and structured STEM curriculum that will promote:

  • Increased student awareness of and access to STEM programs of study and career opportunities
  • Enhanced student readiness for and recruiting into STEM pathway programs
  • Improved student retention based on academic success and overcoming "life barriers"
  • Increased completion through award of certificates or degrees and pathways to STEM jobs or transfer to higher-level STEM academic programs


Initiatives:

  • Pathfinders program, which provides continuous 1-on-1 coaching and support
  • STEM related events and opportunities to promote networking, insight, and community among MCC students
  • Scholarships and other funding opportunities to help defer the cost of a STEM certificate or degree
  • Study space and computer access in the STEM Starter Academy in Cowan 303
  • Sponsored summer programs including courses and research opportunities

STEM Starter Academy Video

SSA Video

Contact Us:

Office email: SSA@middlesex.mass.edu

Sean Kenney, STEM Success Coach
(978) 656-3036
kenneys@middlesex.mass.edu

Mary Sadler, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (978) 322-8410
sadlerm@middlesex.mass.edu

 

 

Last Modified: 3/25/24