"So, We Found a Way:" How Changing Modalities Affected a Year-Long Mentored Research Experience for Associate's...

Area of Science:

• STEM Education
• Undergraduate Research

Background:

• The CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) has supported 1678 associate's degree STEM students since 2014.
• Previous assessments show CRSP students are more likely to persist in STEM, graduate, and transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ongoing impact of CRSP.
• To evaluate how the program adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic using new modalities.

Main Methods:

• Interviews with college-based directors.
• Surveys of students and mentors.
• Focus groups with mentors.

Main Results:

• Colleges adapted programs to preserve all pre-pandemic components.
• Mentors developed strategies for virtual and hybrid research experiences.
• Students reported gains in skills, self-confidence, and transfer preparedness.

Conclusions:

• The CRSP demonstrated resilience during the pandemic.
• Virtual platforms can effectively preserve key aspects of undergraduate research experiences.
• The program continues to foster STEM student success and readiness for baccalaureate programs.