Author(s):
The STEM Research Inquiry Summer Enrichment (STEM RISE) program is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing STEM education through strategic partnerships. This project involves the University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics STEM teacher preparation program, teachHOUSTON, and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. In partnership with community leaders and instructional leaders from Jack Yates High School in Third Ward, STEM RISE provides high school students with hands-on STEM research and learning experiences with guidance and mentorship from UH medical students, undergraduate STEM majors, and program faculty.Presenters will discuss the collaborative processes used to establish meaningful community partnerships and offer insights to guide potential university-community collaborations. Since its inception in 2022, the program has supported 45 undergraduate STEM majors, the majority being first-generation students, along with 16 graduate student mentors and nearly 20 high school participants. Central to STEM RISE’s success is its engagement with Third Ward’s historically underserved community, including Jack Yates High School, situated close to the research institution.In academia, forging and nurturing partnerships with community members are paramount, especially in underserved areas like the Third Ward. It is imperative that collaborations center the needs of all partners and avoid power distributions that elevate the experiences of any popular over another. Presenters will share best practices derived from direct partnerships with Jack Yates High School, Third Ward community leaders, and students. They will also discuss culturally responsive mentoring and community-building activities integral to the program’s success.
Coauthors
Jacqueline Ekeoba, jnekeoba@central.uh.edu; Michelle Carroll-Turpin, macarrol@central.uh.edu
