蜜桃社

蜜桃社鈥檚 STEM Connect program has successfully placed 227 students in paid summer research projects over the past three years, opening doors to hands-on learning and valuable faculty mentorship.

RCC STEM Connect Summer Research Placements:

• 2022: 54 students
• 2023: 70 students
• 2024: 103 students

These students are paired with faculty mentors at partner transfer universities, where they conduct research directly in faculty labs. The program began in 2022 through a continuing partnership with CSU San Bernardino, established via a previous National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. In 2024, thanks to the leadership of Luis Molina, Project Manager for STEM Grants, the program expanded to include UC Riverside and CSU Fullerton, greatly increasing the number of research opportunities available.

Research projects vary in length from 1 week to 10 weeks, with students receiving stipends ranging from $500 to $4,000, depending on the length of their placement. Faculty mentors also receive stipends, all funded through RCC鈥檚 STEM Connect program.

This hands-on research experience is transformative for RCC students. The program recently featured student testimonials from:

• David Grajeda, Biology Major
• David Sosa, Physics/Astronomy Major
• Emma Wuysang, Computer Science Major
• Emmatrice Fomumbod, Biology Major
• Lisette Espino, Biology Major
• Praise Ojinmah, Biology Major

Looking Ahead to Summer 2025
The upcoming Summer 2025 experience will introduce a new residential component for students participating in the 1-week research program at UC Riverside. These students will live on campus in dorms, with all housing and meal costs covered by STEM Connect.

STEM Connect is led by Dr. Virginia White, Principal Investigator, and Luis H. Molina, Project Manager for STEM Grants. This work is made possible through grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, which allow RCC to offer impactful programming that enhances academic and professional development for underserved STEM students.

The program鈥檚 success will also be highlighted on a national stage this March. Molina will present on RCC STEM Connect鈥檚 innovative model at the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) 17th Annual Best Practices Conference in Chicago. Joining him will be Nadia Murrietta, an RCC student who participated in the 2024 summer research experience. Nadia鈥檚 participation in the conference will further her professional development and underscore RCC鈥檚 commitment to student success.