
City College students can take the STEM test at the Assessment Center in the Student Services building.
Students who take the STEM test will get a score to see how apt they are in science, math and engineering. Though test-taking opportunities are ongoing, students who take the test within the next two weeks will be invited to an event called STEMulation at City College, and a later event called STEMposium.
“The basic educational goal is to help students get a sense of their strengths and to learn more about the number of support programs in place on campus,” said Dr. Paul deGennaro, the biology professor who created the STEM testing.
DeGennaro listed support programs like MESA, the Career Center, LRC, and tutoring labs, “that will provide them with the greatest opportunity to succeed, in whatever path they choose to pursue.”
At both upcoming events, professors from various fields will introduce students to the different types of science classes and majors available at City College. At the later event, STEMposium, students will have a more hands-on opportunities with the sciences.
DeGennaro said too many students come burdened with misconceptions about a number of things, particularly about their own strengths and weaknesses, especially in the math and science fields.
“We hope that bringing awareness to their specific skill set and then inviting them to informational workshops that introduce them to the previously mentioned resources will help them to at least consider pursuing a STEM-related pathway,”said deGennaro.
Public Information Office Rick Brewer said there has been a decline in STEM majors, despite the technology-oriented society we now live in.
“This assessment, which is quite different than most other tests on campus, is one way we can help a student determine if he or she might have that hidden talent,” Brewer said. “If so, we would like to help him or her tap into it.”
Students interested in the STEM testing can sign up in Student Services 140. Testing time varies, but the office hours are Monday—Thursday, 8 a.m.—6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.—3 p.m.