Modesto Junior College has been awarded a five-year Title V federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of Hispanic, low-income and other students who enroll, persist, succeed, and transfer to 4-year colleges in STEM-related fields. Funding begins on October 1, 2011 and ends on September 30, 2016 with an estimated five-year budget of $4,347,286. MJC is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution because of the number of Hispanic students enrolled at the college (29% of the student population). Funding from this grant will:

• Establish a 21st century math and science learning hub including student collaboration rooms with state-of-the-art technology

• Provide math workshops, math tutoring and Summer Math Jams to help students succeed in math courses

• Support innovative math instruction

• Provide technology such as Tablet PCs for math faculty and student use

• Provide math and science models for student study (anatomy and physiology models, skeletons, periodic tables, etc.)

• Enhance STEM counseling and advising for students

• Establish a course to-course and faculty/advisor articulation model

• Build a data-based evaluation model to assess, analyze and improve STEM programs

“We are honored to receive this funding. This grant will provide substantial resources to help students know they can pursue and succeed in math- and science-based education and careers,” said Dr. Larry Calderon, MJC Interim President.