Institution Laredo College State Texas Academic Level Associate Issue Area Support Services Website http://www.laredo.edu/stem Key Personnel Rosemary Aguero Program Focus STEM, Summer Bridge Overview Created as part of a Title III HSI STEM Articulation Grant to introduced students to STEM disciplines and careers. The Learning, Excellence and Academic Preparedness in STEM (LEAPS) program at Laredo College aims to provide students interested in the STEM field with on-going student support to assist with the transition into college and providing a seamless transfer process to a four-year university. Program Description The LEAPS program incorporates a Summer Bridge experience for incoming first-year college students, focused on academic preparedness, hands-on STEM activities, and developing interpersonal skills needed to succeed in college. Throughout the academic year, students received academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring. These activities and services aim to prepare students to transfer to a four-year university with an undergraduate research component, intending to obtain a degree in STEM. Outcome In 2017 the LEAP program served 663 participants, approximately 97% of them identifying as Hispanic. Graduation rates for LEAPS participants are 43.7%, higher than the institution's rate of 19%. Of those who graduate, they average a 3.37 GPA. LEAPS participants graduated at an average of 3.31 semesters (1-2 years) faster than non-LEAPS participants. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
