Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) — Advancing what works in STEM education
In the Spotlight
December 2, 2011 -
PKAL Launches Project on Two-Year/Four-Year Partnerships to Facilitate STEM Transfer Student Success
With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, PKAL recently launched a series of national summits or “action labs” on developing effective models for transfer of students in STEM fields from two-year institutions to four-year institutions. At the first Action Lab, held in Indianapolis on September 30 – October 1, 36 people from six different institutional clusters from California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan and Texas convened to share models and discuss factors that contribute to their success, barriers they have faced, and next steps for continuing development of partnerships. The next Action Lab will be in March 2012 and will be an opportunity for many of these same institutions to share their progress. Following these two convenings, PKAL & AAC&U will plan the next steps for further engagement of institutional and system partnerships in developing and disseminating best practices -- the overarching goal to develop replicable and scalable models for student success across transfer, emphasizing general education and entry into STEM baccalaureate programs. For more information, see the Ramping Up for STEM Success project web page. Other PKAL resources on community colleges and transfer programs are also posted on this website.
To read past "In the Spotlight" entries click here.
Since its founding in 1989, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) has been one of the leading advocates in the United States for building and sustaining strong undergraduate programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With an extensive network of nearly 7,000 faculty members and administrators at over 1,000 colleges, universities and organizations, PKAL has developed far-reaching influence in shaping undergraduate STEM learning environments that attract and retain undergraduate students. For PKAL's current mission, vision, and goals statement, click here.
PKAL accomplishes its work by engaging campus faculty and leaders in funded projects, national and regional meetings, community-building activities, leadership development programs, and publications that are focused on advancing what works in STEM education. PKAL is now an ongoing unit within the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
