ABLE4STEM @ UMASS

University of Massachusetts > AASAIR > ABLE4STEM

In response to a challenge presented by the Business Higher Education Forum, the University of Massachusetts joined ten of the nation's top universities in proposing a system wide plan to increase STEM retention beyond the first two years, particularly among underrepresented minorities (URM). Partnering with UMass in ABLE4STEM are the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, the Governor's STEM Council and all fifteen Massachusetts Community Colleges, a strong alignment of higher education, government, and the business community, all of which have members on the Advisory Council.

ABLE4STEM has two core components: 1) to develop a preferred pathway, establishing course-specific "2+2" articulation agreements for the entry of associate of science graduates of community colleges into STEM majors at UMass campuses; and 2) to create an alternative pathway for "reverse transfer" of credits to community colleges for associate of science degree completion by community college students who enter UMass.

Goals of ABLE4STEM include:

• double the number of STEM degrees awarded to URM students at both the A.S. and B.S. levels within four years
• establish "2+2" articulation agreements with Massachusetts Community Colleges for all STEM majors at any UMass campus
• expand "reverse transfer" opportunities for A.S. degree completion.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS: www.able4stem.org (coming soon!)

QUESTIONS AND PROJECT UPDATES:

John Cunningham, Ph.D., Interim CEO of UMassOnline and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Patricia Plummer, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the President