Publication Date
Spring 5-7-2026
Document Type
Senior Integrative Project
Abstract
This paper reflects my experience developing ACCESStem as part of the Program in Community Action (PICA) center at Connecticut College. ACCESStem is a community-engaged research project designed to create hands-on, lab-based STEM workshops for local high school students in New London. ACCESStem was built on the premise that even small liberal arts colleges can hold a meaningful impact on helping diversify the science workforce. Over the course of three years, this project took shape through my relationships with STEM faculty on campus and relationships with staff at the Holleran Center for Community Action. This paper works to begin contextualizing the theory behind the program structure, assess program effectiveness, and provide a preliminary analysis on high school student participants reflections.
Recommended Citation
Isakov, Dina D., "ACCESStem: How Small Colleges Can Open STEM Pathways for Local High School Students" (2026). Program in Community Action (PICA). 4.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/pica/4
Included in
Community College Leadership Commons, Higher Education Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.