Broadening Impact of STEM Interventions: Stories From STEM Program Directors

• In Event: Faculty Careers in STEM

Abstract

STEM program directors’ have a unique standpoint, as they often work in staff and faculty roles to transform STEM education. We explored views from 51 STEM program directors at 11 institutions that were exemplary in producing STEM bachelor's degree graduates to identify sources of support as well as directors’ perspectives on how to broaden institutional impact. Program directors often negotiated budgets that included funds from multiple sources such as grants, senior administrator’s discretionary funds, the private sector, federal, and state budgets. Program directors viewed coordination and streamlining of processes, support for labor from institutional agents, and implementation of low-cost but promising practices as major keys to broaden STEM effort impact. Implications for institutional leaders, faculty, and policy-makers are discussed.

Author

• Ana Karen Gomez, University of California - Los Angeles