Guiding Students toward Success in STEM Fields

Dr. Victor Mack, Director of STEM Pre-College Program, University of North Carolina

Dr. Victor Mack, Director of the STEM Pre-College Program at the University of North Carolina, exhibits over two decades of experience in educational outreach and program development. His educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina, along with certifications in coding boot camp and leadership experience. Mack's professional journey at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, began in 1998 as a Coordinator for the STEM Pre-College Program, where he oversaw mathematics and science enrichment initiatives for middle and high school students.

In July 2022, he became the Director of the STEM Pre-College Program, continuing his commitment to fostering STEM talent. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of enrichment activities, including the Saturday Academy, the Summer Scholars program and research experiences that engage students with STEM professionals.

Recognizing Mack’s visionary leadership and dedication to STEM education, this exclusive interview delves into Mack's invaluable insights into transforming educational programs from supplementary activities into strategic pathways for student success and STEM career readiness.

At a Glance:

● Focused on inspiring and preparing students for STEM-based majors and careers through engaging activities, guest speakers, field trips and exposure to college life.

● Collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and universities to provide students with valuable resources.

● Implementing new high school programming in data science, engineering, biomedicine and coding to cater to student interests and career aspirations.

STEM Pre-College Program: Nurturing the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

The STEM Pre-College Program at the University of North Carolina has a 40-year history of enriching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through diverse programming. Main activities include the Saturday Academy during the academic year and the Summer Scholars program, which offer math and science classes similar to those in students' schools, emphasizing applications and hands-on experiences. As the primary goal is to broaden the pool of students pursuing STEM majors and careers, the program focuses on average to above-average students who may need extra encouragement and exposure to college environments. This enrichment-focused approach has consistently achieved college enrollment and the pursuit of STEM-based majors and careers.

“The STEM Pre-College Program’s focus on enrichment, hands-on learning and campus immersion has consistently achieved remarkable outcomes, with over 90 percent of students matriculating to college and two-thirds pursuing STEM-based majors and careers.” 

Classes for the Saturday Academy and Summer Scholars take place on the UNC Charlotte campus, where six certified public school teachers provide instruction. These teachers are supported by student groups like Kids Are Scientists Too (KAST), which facilitates Lego Robotics and coding experiences. The Biology Graduate Student Organization leads the high school biology course, while the Charlotte Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) Association offers tutoring and classroom assistance. The Youth Neuroscience Club, headed by Dr. Kristen Funk Johnson from the UNC Charlotte Biology Department, meets regularly during Saturday Academy sessions, offering high school students the option to participate in their meetings.

Throughout the year, Saturday Academy classes are complemented by guest speakers who also participate in virtual Thursdays through Zoom. These sessions occur four times a year, providing students with additional insights and engagement opportunities from STEM professionals.

Building a STEM Community: Partnerships Fueling the Pre-College Program

The STEM Pre-College Program at UNC Charlotte was previously affiliated with the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN). The network is now dormant, but former members, including North Carolina State University, Elizabeth City State University and Winston-Salem State University, have continued to collaborate on an annual event celebrating student talents and academic abilities. This group also awards $5,000 scholarships to three graduating high school seniors yearly, funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

The program has also established valuable partnerships with organizations such as Eli Lilly, Inc., which has a new facility in Concord, NC. Several professionals from Eli Lilly have served as guest speakers for the traditional Saturday Academy and Virtual Thursday programs. Virtual Thursdays are held twice a semester through Zoom, where scholars interact with a wide range of STEM professionals.

Parents have played a crucial role by volunteering their time and recruiting these professionals. Many of these parents are STEM professionals who understand the importance of campus exposure and resources. The Parents Involved for Excellence (PIE) Club has been integral to the program's success, providing feedback and recommendations that enhance student engagement and buy-in. Also, the program has benefited from partnerships with community organizations like the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, which runs its own Saturday Academy program on the UNC Charlotte campus, focusing on various topics like education, economic empowerment, health and wellness and mentoring. A notable collaboration this past year included a Zoom session with billionaire Michael Roberts of Roberts Broadcasting.

A Network of Opportunity: Strategic Recruitment through Educational Networks

The STEM Pre-College Program primarily recruits students through school contacts and networks leveraging the support of the Center for STEM Education. The Center plays a crucial role in this process, with a professional learning community where educators from across the state meet every month during the academic year. This collaboration has facilitated student recruitment by tapping into the extensive professional development network across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

The program also benefits from its affiliation with the Cato College of Education, housed on the UNC Charlotte campus, which partners with the Southwest Education Alliance (SWEA).  SWEA serves 11 school districts surrounding the UNC Charlotte campus and holds monthly meetings, bringing together a diverse group of educators and administrators, including the Superintendent’s Council, to discuss best practices, state legislature mandates and other relevant topics.

The Office of School and Community Partnerships (OSCP) also supports recruitment by hosting regular meetings with its P-12 Advisory Board, which consists of educators and administrators throughout the region. By leveraging these networks and engaging with teachers, parents and students, the STEM Pre-College Program effectively reaches potential participants and fosters community involvement.

Alum Spotlight: Impact Stories from Pre-College Program

The impact of the program has been significant, with over 90 percent of students matriculating to college and about two-thirds pursuing STEM-based majors and careers. Aneesh Sudigala, a current graduate, and Kailey Spicer, who graduated last year, have been part of the program since sixth grade and are recipients of the Hearst Foundation Scholarship mentioned earlier.  

Dr. Jeremy Feaster, another former participant, now serves as a staff scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory at Stanford and is the executive director of The Jeremy T. Feaster Foundation, Inc., which provides scholarships to deserving high school graduates.

Mrs. Tyra Pendergrass Boomer, now Deputy Director at the play2PREVENT Lab at Yale University, is also a program alumna. Tyra began her journey in the program in sixth grade, participated in the Pre-College Research Experiences Program, competed in the International Science and Engineering Fair and pursued a STEM major in college. These individuals represent just a few examples of the program's significant impact on its participants.

From Classroom to Career: Leading the Way with High School Specialization

The program has been facing challenges lately, particularly regarding high school student attrition, as many students pursue extra-curricular activities and seek part-time employment. To address this issue, the program has devised an innovative solution. Starting in Fall 2024, the program will introduce an immersive enrichment opportunity focused on four key topics— data science, engineering, biomedicine and coding. To ensure the success of this initiative, university partners specializing in these disciplines will collaborate to implement the new programming.

Participants in the program will have the chance to earn a micro-credential for their involvement, which will be advantageous as they apply to various colleges and universities. Looking ahead, the program's long-term objectives include expanding these topics into additional STEM-related fields. This expansion aims to provide further exposure to STEM majors and careers, aligning with the program’s overarching goals. Taking a discipline-based approach, this strategy will be integral to program delivery not only in the next five years but in the foreseeable future.

 

Robotics