Community

Community is the central focus of the program.  You will forge strong connections with other Scholars and STEM students, faculty, and staff. 

  • The STEM Residential Learning Community provides students with similar interests a space where they can live and learn together outside of the classroom.  Upperclass STEM peers serve as in-house mentors and RAs to support you in your transition to college and in navigating your major.
  • The first-year STEM seminar provides an intimate classroom setting in which you will get to know other Scholars and STEM peers as you prepare for success at IC and beyond.
  • Research participation during the semester and the summer promotes strong and lasting relationships with your faculty mentor and research peers.
  • Annual “STEM Challenges” bring students from all STEM disciplines together to solve complex and relevant problems through friendly competition.
  • Social events, including a Welcome Picnic, provide opportunities to get to know peers, staff, and faculty in informal settings. 

Academic Support

The program faculty and staff are committed to your academic success.

  • Peer Success Coaches help you to navigate the transition to college and develop plans for your long-term success.

  • Tutoring by peers and faculty, focused on the first two years of required coursework, provide you with a solid foundation of disciplinary knowledge.

  • A first-year STEM seminar course brings all S-STEM scholars together to work on skills necessary for success in your major and beyond Ithaca College.  Topics include:

    • How to prepare homework and study for exams in your major to maximize your academic performance
    • How to get involved in research in your department
    • What extra-curricular activities are available to support your interests and grow marketable skills, such as leadership and teamwork

  • Faculty Mentors guide your academic and professional growth and alert you to opportunities, such as summer research, internships, and career exploration.

Professional Development

Programming includes supports for professional growth and career exploration.

  • You will develop professional skills and enhance the intangibles that employers look for: communication, problem-solving, teamwork, personal learning, motivation, and initiative.

  • On-going career workshops provide you with the preparation and skills for entering the workplace.  Selected topics include:

    • Identifying available career paths related to your discipline

    • Preparing a résumé and cover letter

    • Interviewing for a job

  • Visits to area employers give you an inside look into potential internships opportunities and future careers.

  • Attendance at a professional disciplinary conference of your choosing provides networking and other career development opportunities.

  • Research opportunities throughout the academic year, as well as paid summer research positions, allow you to deepen your understanding of your academic field.