Development of a Materials Science Educational Program at Houston Community College: University Partnerships and Assessment Dynamics

In 2015, the West Houston Center for Science & Engineering, Houston Community College, was awarded funding by the National Science Foundation, Division of Materials Research, to develop an innovative materials science program, Research Experiences and Exploration in Materials Science (REEMS). The focus of the REEMS program is to provide a comprehensive program structure that provides aspiring science & engineering bound community college students to materials science and materials engineering and associated academic pathways and careers. The REEMS program is now into its third year. The program provides academic year activities that includes a fall & spring materials seminar series, transfer guidance, networking activities, and an accompanying summer research experience for selected students. To date over ninety HCC students have participated in the academic year activities and twenty-six students have completed summer materials research experiences at regional universities. This presentation will examine the partnership dynamics among Houston Community College and three regional universities that have led to measurable and successful experiences for students and the respective university research faculty, provide an overview of student demographics and transfer outcomes, and discuss the formative assessment methodologies utilized across the REEMS program.