There are four modules in the first tier of CREATE that welcome STEM educators and support personnel who recognize the need to better engage with students typically underrepresented in STEM, but are not sure how or where to start. Recognizing your busy schedules, typically we work with educators to complete Tier 1 in one year.

The first module uses self-reflection and a set of activities geared to shift mindset towards student cultural assets and a few simple examples to try with your students. The next module provides introductory strategies and practices for culturally responsive instruction that have worked for other educators at Hispanic Serving Institutions. Again, examples from educators who have successfully implemented practices will be discussed and made available for you to use. The third module provides guidelines for bringing in diverse industry role models who are willing to partner to provide career oriented advice, inspiration, and mentoring to technicians based on their own cultural journeys. Although you have been asking your students for their inputs, as part of the example exercises provided in modules 1.1-1.3, these inputs are part of your normal job as an instructor. The final module in Tier 1 provides foundation and sets the stage for more formally capturing student data in compliance with federal policy and ethical codes. This will prepare you to engage in preliminary research in Tier 2 that could lead to future grant funding opportunities.