On-Ramp to STEM

On-Ramp to STEM, a project funded by the California Education Learning Lab program, forms a partnership between Fresno State, Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, and University High School to improve learning outcomes in math courses, in particular college algebra and pre-calculus, by developing and implementing an open-source adaptive learning technology, and utilizing culturally responsive teaching pedagogy. We focus on algebra and pre-calculus because they represent important, foundational courses at the start of the STEM pathway. However, for many students, especially under-represented minorities and other first-generation or low-income students, these courses act as a roadblock; making it difficult for students to transition to a STEM major. Thus, we seek to transform the culture of learning in math classrooms so students achieve greater fluency and self-efficacy in mathematics that is required throughout the STEM disciplines. Our hope is to build a proverbial "on-ramp" that makes STEM more accessible and closes the achievement gaps among student populations in the San Joaquin Valley.