Skip to main content
Navigate Up
Sign In
SMC|Academic Programs|Counseling|STEM

SMC/ UCLA Science and Research Initiative

​

Do you want to discover new cures for diseases?Faculty posing


Do you like to take things apart and see how they work?

Do you want to be part of solving today's environmental challenges?

Do you want to discover what is beneath the ground you walk on and who has walked on it before you?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then a major in STEM might be right for you!  Find out what the SMC/ UCLA Science and Research Initiative has to offer you!

WHAT IS STEM?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  There are a variety of majors and careers that fall into STEM, such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Civil Engineering and Physics.  Mathematics is at the core of all STEM majors.

WHAT IS THE SMC/ UCLA SCIENCE AND RESEARCH INITIATIVE AND HOW DOES IT HELP ME?

It is an academic support program designed to help traditionally underrepresented students interested in STEM careers successfully complete their studies at SMC, transfer to a baccalaureate program, and enter the STEM workforce.  The program offers participating students with the following:

  • Specialized courses
  • Applied learning experiences, including research opportunitiessolar car
  • Transfer counseling
  • Student success workshops
  • Supplemental Instruction
  • Exposure to careers in STEM fields

Additionally, SMC has partnered with UCLA's Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) and the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) to provide students with mentoring, summer bridge programming at UCLA, summer research opportunities and onsite advising. Read more here http://www.smc.edu/NewsRoom/Pages/SMC-Receives-$5.8-Million-Grant-to-Get-More-Minority-Students-into-Science-Math.aspx

WHY SHOULD I MAJOR IN STEM?

  • Maximize your possibilities.  STEM majors may attend graduate school, work in a laboratory, teach, become part of the government sector, design buildings, conduct research in foreign countries, and pursue countless other career opportunities.
  • Have an impact on your community and the world!  STEM professionals are constantly making contributions to the world - almost every area of our lives is affected by STEM advancements.
  • Increased job security.  Many of the growing employment opportunities are in STEM related fields. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Commerce projected that between 208 and 2018, STEM occupations will grow 17% (compared to 9.8% for non-STEM fields).
  • Challenge yourself!  Ben innovative and explore areas that are undiscovered and constantly changing.  If you enjoy solving complex problems, thinking outside of the box, learning how things are built, a major in STEM might be right for you.
  • Career satisfaction.  If you are passionate about a STEM field, take classes at SMC to work toward your major and begin your path toward a field you love!

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

  • Completion of Math 20 (with a "B" or higher) or eligibility for a higher level math coursefaculty at college fair
  • Fewer than 30 completed college units
  • Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA
  • Commitment to participate in program services

HOW TO APPLY:

Please use the Application Information link at the top of the page to get information on applying. You must have an SMC ID number and an SMC email account to access the application.

For more information, please contact:

Debbie Ostorga, Counselor at ostorga_debbie@smc.edu

Vanessa Bonilla, Counselor at bonilla_katia@smc.edu

Jose Cue, Counselor at cue_jose@smc.edu

 

 

​ ​