Community colleges play a vital role in bridging demographic disparities in science and technology by offering accessible STEM education to many low-income, first-generation, and minority students. Despite inclusive teaching practices, economic obstacles often impede student success, prompting the need for additional support strategies. National Science Foundation funded S-STEM Scholars Program at Minneapolis College (MC) is tailored to aid financially disadvantaged students in STEM. The program, spanning up to five semesters, offers a two-prong approach providing financial support through scholarships and enriching scholars undergraduate experience through high impact STEM enrichment activities like research experiences and faculty mentoring. Over a four-year period, the S-STEM program has supported 55 students hailing from low-income backgrounds, 53% being first-generation college students, and representing diverse minority groups, aligning with the institution's demographics. The program facilitates cohort meetings for community-building, advisor sessions for educational planning, and faculty mentorship for navigating challenges and achieving successful transfers. Faculty mentors, transcending social identity differences and institutional transitions, meet with each scholar twice per semester to support scholars as needed. These discussions often include academic progress, grades, course success, career planning, and job opportunities. Scholars document these interactions, with 75% of meetings focusing on academic progress and 61% on career planning, with 94% of students reporting awareness of support resources. The mentor-mentee relationship is key to the success of the program. The program's impact is further evidenced by degree completion and transfer rates. Of the 55 scholars during the 2020-2024 academic years, approximately 65% graduated, while 20% remain active and on track for graduation or transfer, resulting in an 85% retention or graduation rate. Continuous program enhancement aims to sustain and bolster retention efforts. MC's S-STEM program provides a comprehensive platform for students to engage in STEM activities and seamlessly transition to four-year institutions through a partnership with the PRISM project.
