The recruitment, retention, and graduation of students with undergraduate science degrees, including those in chemistry, is central to the development of a strong and diverse STEM workforce. For student retention, the first and second semesters of the freshman year are key attrition points. Many students with an initial interest in science change their majors to non-STEM disciplines during their first year for a variety of reasons. Thus, it is especially important to provide meaningful support structures for students as they enter college and engage the students in high-impact practices during their time as undergraduates. Along these lines, we created the AU Science Scholars Program for students with majors in chemistry, biochemistry, and toxicology, as well as biology, forensic biology, geology, and environmental science. This program has the specific goal of improving undergraduate recruitment, retention, and graduation. Academically-talented students with significant financial need are selected for the program and receive renewable scholarships. In turn, the students are provided enhanced support and engagement throughout their time at AU. During the critical first-year period, Scholars work with peer and faculty mentors, in addition to professional academic advisors, and they also have access to a dedicated career coach. In addition, freshman Scholars attend weekly supplemental review sessions for the gateway General Chemistry I and II course sequence and participate in workshops and seminars that guide them in considering various career and research opportunities. Science Scholars are encouraged to carry out research with a faculty mentor or complete an internship, ideally prior to beginning their third year. Additional activities that are part of the program include speakers, off-campus visits to labs and worksites, and interactions with alumni through a “Career-Conversation” speaker series. An overview of program activities and objectives will be presented along with outcomes. Preliminary results from a quantitative study designed to identify changes in STEM persistence predictors among AU Science Scholars and to assess the extent to which they are strengthened by program participation will also be discussed.

Ashland University science scholars program: Enhanced engagement to improve retention and graduation

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.