NSF Oakton

Oakton Community College, in partnership with Maine Township High School District 207 and Niles Township High School District 219, will develop and pilot initiatives designed to increase the number of high school and Oakton students who pursue and receive degrees in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The project period is January 2003 through December 2005. The project has the following key components:


  1. STEM Enrichment Program:
    The STEM Enrichment Program will help under-prepared students improve their math, English and study skills. The program is open to high school graduates who plan to attend Oakton in the fall and to Oakton students. Students must either (1) have high interest and/or success in STEM subjects but need to strengthen their English language skills to succeed in college, or (2) need to pass elementary algebra before they can succeed in college algebra.
    • When: Apply during each spring semester.
    • Benefit: Tuition for the STEM Enrichment Program is waived. Participants can improve their math, English and study skills and will receive mentoring for increased academic and career success.

    For more information about this program click the following links:
    The Program Team Members | For Oakton Students | For High School Students    | Course Description

  2. Peer Tutor Training Program:
    High school juniors and seniors with strong math skills (e.g., AP enrolled, National Honor Society) will be selected and trained to become Oakton Peer Tutors. High school juniors and seniors who complete AP Calculus and are interested in tutoring math courses below the AP Calculus level are encouraged to apply.
    • When: Apply during each spring semester.
    • Benefit: Receive tutor training, complete a practicum, receive a College Reading and Learning Association certificate for tutor training and experience, strengthen content knowledge, receive wages at Oakton student employee rates. Tuition for training course is waived.

  3. Student-Industry-Teacher Simulations (SIT SIMs):
    SIT SIMs are work-related simulations developed by teams of industry professionals and community college STEM faculty to provide high school students with work-based, hands-on learning opportunities. Math and science teachers at participating high schools will select groups of three to five high-potential, but not necessarily high-achieving, students to participate. Teachers will participate alongside students.
    • When: Form teams in fall 2003 and 2004 for half-day workshops in spring 2004 and 2005.
    • Benefit: Students experience real-world STEM problem simulations presented by industry professionals and gain confidence from working in teams with teachers. Teachers receive stipends for participating and can receive CPDU's according to their school districts’ policies.

  4. Study Sessions
    Study sessions will be offered for students enrolled in specific high-risk Oakton courses including pre-calculus, calculus, College Physics and College Chemistry. Study sessions will be facilitated by trained, professional tutors.
    • When: Beginning fall 2003 and subsequent semesters
    • Benefit: Collaborate with other students and a facilitator to explore various course topics.

  5. STEM Success Seminars
    To address the particular needs of STEM students, STEM Success Seminars will be organized. Topics will include study skills, time management, stress management, career exploration and opportunities, selecting and applying to a university, preparing to transfer and other related topics. These seminars will be conducted by Oakton’s staff advisors, student development faculty (advisors, counselors) and representatives from the universities to which Oakton students most often transfer. Students who are interested in STEM careers should attend.
    • When: Beginning fall 2003 and subsequent semesters; offered during the day and evening
    • Benefit: Learn study skills, improve time and stress management, discover career opportunities, gain help selecting and applying to a university, prepare for a successful transfer experience.

  6. Other Activities
    The STEM Club will provide other activities such as organizing a “Scholar, Expert, CEO Forum,” visiting local businesses or companies, coordinating the AMATYC Math Competition, and holding additional activities for STEM career exploration.
    To smooth students' transition from Oakton to the university, Oakton and four-year institutions will increase dialogues to address various academic issues, such as course and program articulation, and support issues, such as counseling and advising services.

    For more information about the AMATYC Math competition click the following links:
    Math League Competition    Math Competition (Announcement)    Math Competition Results (Fall 2003)