WHEREAS, California Community College students face several challenges when it comes to finding STEM research opportunities, including those in environmental-related fields, including limited access to resources needed for research, lack of prior experience or preparation, and trouble securing letters of recommendation [1];
WHEREAS, The lack of funding for resources needed to perform environmental-related research at California Community Colleges has become a major impediment for students wanting to pursue environmental-related research opportunities, due to community colleges receiving $8,700 for educational-related purposes, which is half of that of what four-year colleges receive ($17,500) [2] and 63% California Community College students are currently enrolled in community college classes for three or more terms, implying that they have not been enrolled in a four-year college yet [3]; and
WHEREAS, Participating in environmental research opportunities during students’ time at a California Community College has several benefits including networking opportunities and gaining hands on experience [4], as well as positively impacting California Community College student transfer rates to four year colleges, especially colleges that have competitive admission rates; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges to advocate for funding for resources for California Community College students to pursue STEM research opportunities, including those in environmental fields; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges make it a legislative priority to advocate for securing funding in order to provide the necessary resources for conducting environmental-related research on California Community College campuses.
Citations:
[1] Medlin, P. (2024, October 14). Community College Students Have Less Access to Research Experiences. Waubonsee Students Say it Puts Them on a Path to Success. Northern Public Radio. Community college students have less access to research experiences. Waubonsee students say it puts them on a path to success. | Northern Public Radio: WNIJ and WNIU
[2] Edgecombe, N. (2022, February). Public Funding of Community Colleges. Community College Research Center.Public Funding of Community Colleges
[3] Bodary, D. (2021, August). Challenges and Opportunities for Community Colleges in a New Normal. National Communication Association.
Challenges and Opportunities for Community Colleges in a New Normal - National Communication Association
[4] Community Colleges. Council on Undergraduate Research. Community Colleges - The Council on Undergraduate Research