PC STEM Scholars Blog: Week of 10/25/10-10/29/10

Can you believe that October is almost over?  For the last week of the month:

• The university transfer fair takes place this Thursday, October 28 in the Sophomore Square from 9:30am-12:30pm.  Take advantage of this opportunity to explore different options--all in one place.
• On that note: if you are planning to transfer to university in Spring 2011 or Fall 2011, notify Valerie ASAP.  You will have to complete a short form.   The Department of Education requires that we obtain these data.  
• Reminder for those enrolled in the Foundations of Student Success I course (a.k.a. the "Peer Mentor Modules):
• Modules 1-4 are due by November 12.
• I will be contacting everyone soon to finalize the monthly meeting schedule. 
• Many thanks to the STEM Scholars who submitted their grade progress reports!  If you have not submitted your report, please note that the STEM Scholars Program has contacted your instructors directly to obtain your grade(s).  This is a requirement of the STEM Scholars Program for students who are enrolled in or will in enroll the gateway courses (e.g., BIO 181).  Contact Valerie if you have any questions about this. 

STEM Scholars Blog: Week of 10/11/10-10/15/10

Lots of exciting news for this week's blog!:

• STEM Scholar Leslie Landa has been awarded the Alba McKee Scholarship.  Leslie stated, "I do want to recommend to people that is possible to get scholarships--[but] one has to be patient to get it."  Well said, Leslie!  And congratulations--we are very proud of you!
• Two more college tours remain for Fall 2010:  ASU Polytechnic (November 5) and ASU West (November 12).  Please RSVP ASAP if you're interested. 
• Mesa Community College is featuring several speakers from various STEM fields.  I plan to attend as many of these as possible.  If enough people express interest and give me enough notice, I may be able to reserve a van.  All talks are free and open to the public.
• Friday, October 15 at 1:30pm in LS 108:  Cathy Mancini, Biomedical Research Associate at the Translational Genomics Institute (T-Gen)
• Wednesday, October 20 at 3:30pm in LS 101: Kevin Knapp, Forensic Scientist for the Phoenix Police Crime Lab.
• Wednesday, November 3 at 4pm in LS 101: Danny Boyle, DDS.   Dr. Boyle has practiced dentistry for many years. 
• Wednesday, November 10 at 4pm in LS 101: University of Arizona College of Pharmacy student.  NOTE:  This student has served on pharmacy school admissions committee
• Wednesday, December 1 at 4pm in LS 101: Steven Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Biology at Brigham Young University.  
• Wednesday, December 8 at 4pm in LS 101:  Peggy Hocutt, RN.  Ms. Hocutt works in the Telemetry Unit at Chandler Regional Hospital.     

STEM Scholars: Week of 9/20/10-9/24/10

Lots of career exploration opportunities in this week's blog--and reminders from previous blogs. 

• The Introduction to Student Success Modules will begin in October.  Contact Valerie ASAP if you want to enroll.  Include your MEID.  
• The deadline to RSVP for the October 8 UofA Campus tour is this Wednesday.
• Grade progress reports are due next Friday, October 1.  
• PC Scholarship workshops take place this week!  See last week's weekly blog post for details. 
• ASU Tempe is hosting "Inventing A New Space Exploration Challenge: Addressing Grand Challenges from Space" on Monday, September 27 from 3:30pm-5pm.  Dr. Laurie Leshin, Deputy Associate Administrator of NASA, is the featured speaker.  The talk is free but space is limited.  To RSVP or get more info, click here.    
• Save the date!  Mesa Community College has scheduled the following speakers for their Alumni Speaker series.  These talks are free and open to the public.:
• Friday, October 15 at 1:30pm in LS 108:  Cathy Mancini, Biomedical Research Associate at the Translational Genomics Institute (T-Gen)
• Wednesday, November 10 at 4pm in LS 101: University of Arizona College of Pharmacy student.  NOTE:  This student has served on pharmacy school admissions committee.    

Fall 2010 University Tours: Revised

The ASU Tempe campus tour on October 15 will be postponed until Spring 2011.  The entire PC STEM Scholars staff must attend mandatory meetings.  Thus, no one is available to drive.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  A list of remaining tours can be found here.

PC STEM: Week of 9/13/2010-9/17/2010

• NEXT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS TOUR:  University of Arizona on October 8.  Please RSVP by next Wednesday, September 22. 
• GET MORE MONEY FOR SCHOOL!:  PC Scholarship workshops will take place next week.  Door prizes will be offered!  Workshops are sponsored by the PC Honors Program and the Office of Alumni and Development.  Here are the dates and locations:
• Tuesday, September 21 from 1pm-3pm in B208
• Wednesday, September 22 from 1pm-3pm in B208
• Thursday, September 23 from 4pm-6pm in B 208

• 24/7 HELP FROM LIBRARIANS:  Librarians can help you with research strategies, exploring databases, find articles and videos and much more--online!  Go to "Ask A Librarian" for more details.  
• CONSTITUTION DAY AT PC:  Every year, colleges and universities nationwide commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution.  PC's Constitution Day will feature State Representative David Lujan, PC Faculty Dr. Albert Celoza and a discussion on children's rights.  The event takes place on Friday, September 17 from 12-1:30pm in the PC Bears Den (Hannelly Center, Lower Level).  Light refreshments will be served!
• PC HONORS PROGRAM:  The Honors Program is hosting two events this week: 
  
• Open House on Thursday, September 16-learn more about the PC Honors Program, check out the new space, enjoy some punch and cake--and that's just for starters!  The Open House takes place from 12noon-1:30pm in B263.   
  
• Brown Bag Session on Friday, September 17-Dr. Amy Marin, PC Psychology faculty will present her talk "Optical Illusions: Your Brain as the Great Interpreter".  The Brown Bag Session takes place in the North Staff Lounge (in the PC cafeteria) from 12noon-12:45pm. 

Fall 2010 Progress Report Form

The Fall 2010 Progress Report form has been e-mailed to the STEM Scholars who are currently taking (or will take) the following gateway courses: BIO 181, BIO 201, BIO 205, CHM 130, CHM 151, CRE 101, ENG 101, ENG 107, MAT 120, MAT 151 and MAT 187.  Please submit this form to Valerie Hernandez by Friday, October 4 at 4pm.  Click here if you need another copy of the form. 

PC STEM: Week of 9/07/10-9/10/10

Hey STEM Scholars:

This week, it's all about the transfer to university:

• RSVP FOR NAU CAMPUS TOUR THIS WEDNESDAY:  Tour will take place on Friday, September 24.  
• NEXT CAMPUS TOUR:  U of A on Friday, October 8.  
• SAVE THE DATE:  The Phoenix College Transfer Fair will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 9:30am-12:30pm in the Sophomore Square. Participating universities to be announced later.
• DON'T WANT TO WAIT?: Representatives from the several universities will be at PC during Fall 2010.   Click here for details. 
• BEYOND THAN THE "BIG 3":  PC several university partners in addition to ASU, NAU and UofA.  Check out the list here. 

PC STEM: Week of 8/30/2010-9/03/10

Hello, STEM Scholars:

Welcome to Week 2 at PC!

• The Northern Arizona University campus tour will take place on Friday, September 24.  The deadline to RSVP for this trip is next Wednesday, September 8.  Please e-mail or call Valerie Hernandez if you're interested in attending.  
• The REACH/TRiO program is looking for student note takers for the science fields.  If you're interested, please contact Tutor Coordinator Ahmed Al Brich at (602) 285-7181.  
• It's not too late to apply for the S-STEM Scholarship!  See 8/19/10 post for details.
• Finally, please read this blog post about making the most of your college experience.  And yes, communication is KEY!

S-STEM Scholarship

The PC Mathematics Department is accepting applications for the S-STEM Scholarship.  Criteria are as follows:

• Full-time student at PC
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Qualify for Financial Aid
• Have completed 100 level math class (MAT 120 or above) with a C or better
• Taking courses which lead to an AS or AAS degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics
• Be U.S. citizen, national, refugee alien or permanent resident alien 
• NOTE:  Students majoring in the pre-professional degrees (e.g., pre-medical) are not eligible for this scholarship.

Applicants who are underrepresented in these fields, e.g., women, people of color or students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.  Students may receive up to $2500 (dependent on unmet need).  The deadline is Wednesday, September 8 at 5pm.  For an application and flier, click here.  

PC STEM: Week of 4/16/2010-4/23/2010

Hello, STEM Scholars:

Short and sweet--but important nonetheless:

• The deadline to RSVP for the April 30 ASU Campus tour is this Thursday, April 22 at 12 noon. 
• PC's Department of Financial Aid is hosting FAFSA Workshops every Wednesday from 1:30pm-3:30pm.  They will run from this week until the end of June 2010.  The workshops are FREE--but you must bring the proof of your 2009 income.  Locations are listed below: 
• April 21-Encanto Room, lower level of the PC Library
• April 28-Room L 122, PC Library
• May 5-Room L 122, PC Library
• May 12-Room B 122
• May 19-Room B 122
• May 26-Room B 122
• June 2-Catalina Room, lower level of the PC Library
• June 9-Catalina Room, lower level of the PC Library
• June 16-Catalina Room, lower level of the PC Library
• June 23-Catalina Room, lower level of the PC Library
• June 30-Catalina Room, lower level of the PC Library

Until next time!

PC STEM: 3/29/10-4/02/10

Happy Almost-April, STEM Scholars!:

• The deadline to RSVP for the April 9 tour of ASU Tempe's Department of Engineering is this Friday, April 2 at 12 noon.
• Don't forget about the ASU Tempe general campus tour on Friday, April 30.   
• Queta Chavez, PC Counseling Faculty will give a workshop today on "Writing Resumes and Interview Skills" TODAY from 1:15pm-2:15pm in A-110.  
• PC Resume Day will take place on Saturday, April 10.  This short workshop is informational and hands-on: bring in your resume and have it evaluated by a professional.  The workshop is FREE--but you'll need to register by calling 602-285-7562 or e-mail alexis.walker@pcmail.maricopa.edu.  More details on PC Resume Day:  
• Date: Saturday, April 10
• Time: 9am-12noon
• Location: Phoenix College Dome Conference Room (NE Corner of 10th Ave. and Flower St.) map
  

PC STEM: Week of 3/22/2010-3/26/2010

Hello, everyone!

I hope that all of you enjoyed your respective spring breaks.  

• Intrigued by biomedical research?  Mesa Community College Biotechnology will be hosting their annual symposium on Saturday, April 24.  Scientists will discuss their career paths and undergraduate students will present their research.   Best of all, the symposium is FREE.  But you'll need to register here. 
• Interested in studying abroad--but worried about the cost?  The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is offering a summer scholarship just for STEM students.  You do not have to have to study a STEM subject--but you do have to stay in one country for 28 days.  The deadline is April 6, 2010.  Other criteria and application information can be found on the web site.  Information on various MCCCD Summer Study Abroad programs can be found here and here.  
• The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundations is accepting scholarship applications for the 2010-2011 academic year.  Visit the web site for more information.  
• We have the following visits scheduled at ASU Tempe.  I will send separate e-mails with details to the distribution list.   Please respond directly to me if you wish to attend. We will provide transportation for both trips.
• Friday, April 9: Department of Engineering only. 
• Friday, April 30: General Campus Tour  

PC STEM: Week of 3/08/10-3/12/10

Spring is almost here, STEM Scholars!

• PC's Math Department is offering scholarships to all PC math students--you do not have to be a math major to be eligible.  The deadline is March 26, 2010.  For an application and more information, click here.  
• Several universities will be visiting PC during Spring 2010.  It's not too late--and it's never too early--to plan your post-PC education.  To request a schedule, please send me an e-mail.  Here is a list.  Some universities will make multiple visits:
• Arizona State University College of Teacher Education
• Phoenix Professional Development School
• ASU Transfer Advisor (multiple majors)
• Northern Arizona University
• ASU New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Grand Canyon University
• University of Arizona
• University of Phoenix
• Western International University
• Applications for the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarship are currently being accepted.  The scholarship pays for full tuition, books and fees and a living allowance.  The deadline is April 1, 2010.  Prospective applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
• College-age youth and adults with physical disabilities
• Adults 25 years or older who have dependents
• Incoming freshmen 18-25 years old who have been raised through the child welfare system and have no visible means of support.

For more information, visit the web site.


There will be no posts next week, due to spring break.  Enjoy your vacation!

PC STEM: Week of 3/01/10-3/05/10

Happy March, STEM Scholars:

This week's post is short and sweet.  Hope your week is going well!

• A representative from Universidad de Guadalajara School of Medicine will be at PC this Friday, March 5 from 10am-3pm in the Hannelly Center hallway.  NOTE:  Date was previously posted as March 4--PC Advising changed the date on March 3.  I apologize for the inconvenience. 
• Would you like to change your PC gmail address to something more user-friendly?  Give it a nickname!  Instructions can be found here.  
• PC Spring Music Concerts start this week.  Earn 1 Personal Unit--or simply enrich your life and take a well-deserved break.  Schedule can be found here.  

PC STEM: Week of 2/22/10-2/26/10

Hello, STEM Scholars:

It's all about the scholarships this week--and another field trip!

• The PC Scholarship Manager Online Application is now open.  This application allows you to apply for several Fall 2010 scholarships simultaneously.  The application deadline is Friday, April 9, 2010.  Click here for more information.     
• Not familiar with Scholarship Manager?  Attend one of the following workshops!  All workshops take place in the PC Library Computer Commons.  Attendance is limited to 30 people.
•  Monday, February 22: 1pm-3pm (Catalina Room)
• Tuesday, February 23: 1pm-3pm (Catalina Room)
• Wednesday, March 3: 10am-11:50am (Catalina Room)
• Thursday, March 4: 10am-12pm (Catalina Room)
• Tuesday, March 9: 4pm-6pm (Encanto Room)
• Wednesday, March 10: 4pm-6pm (Encanto Room)
• PC is also offering Statement of Purpose workshops.  All workshops take place in the Dalby Building, Room 225 and are from 1pm-3pm except for the March 11 session.  Seating is limited to 30 people.  NOTE:  Anyone who attended the STEM Scholars Statement of Purpose workshop last January is welcome to attend PC's Workshops.  However, you will not be given "double-credit" for attending this workshop.
• Wednesday, February 24
• Thursday, February 25
• Friday, February 26
• Tuesday, March 9
• Wednesday, March 10
• Thursday, March 11 (Note:  Time is 3pm-5pm.) 
• The STEM Scholars will be going to ASU's Department of Engineering on Friday, April 9.  The tour starts at 2:30pm.  (We will probably leave the PC campus at about 1:30pm.)  Current ASU engineering students will be available to answer your questions.  Please contact Valerie directly to reserve a spot on the van.

Until next time!

PC STEM: Week of 2/16/2010-2/19/2010

Hello, STEM Scholars:

I hope that you enjoyed the long weekend.

Here are this week's announcements:

• Our van for the March 5 T-Gen trip is currently full--but there may be room in the other vans driven by PC math faculty.  Contact me if you haven't RSVP'ed and would like to attend.
• ASU's Engineering Department has offered to host a tour for us.  Contact me if you're interested. 
• More scholarship opportunities.:
• AZ Business and Professional Women's Foundation.  For women 20 years and older.  Deadline is March 1, 2010
• Casey Family Foundation Scholarship: Deadline is April 15, 2010. 
• Many of last week's posts are still timely.  Please take the time to look them over.   

Have a great week!

PC STEM: Week of 2/08/10-2/12/10

Good day, STEM Scholars!

February is proving to be an eventful month at PC and our sister community colleges.  Please note the new opportunities below, as well some mentioned previously:

• PC Student Life is sponsoring several presentations on sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) on the following dates. Attending one of these sessions is worth 1 Personal Unit.:
• Tuesday, February 9 from 5:15pm-6:30pm (Rm. C102)
• Thursday, February 11 from 1pm-2:15pm (Rm. C102)
• Friday, February 12 from 12noon-1:15pm (Rm. C102)

• The NAACP/PC Black Student Union is sponsoring a a movie viewing of Mighty Times: The Children's March on Wednesday, February 17 at 12 noon in the Hannelly Center (lower level HC3).  This documentary focuses on the 4,000 schoolchildren in Birmingham, AL who deserted classrooms on May 2, 1963 to protest racial segregation.   Attending this movie is worth 1 Personal Unit.  This movie showing is a part of the PC's celebration of  Black History Month.  Several other events are scheduled as well.  
• The First Annual Minority Male Initiative Conference will be at Glendale Community College on Thursday, March 4 from 8am-4pm.  Deadline to register is Thursday, February 18.  You can earn at least 1 Academic Unit or 1 Personal Unit--or more.  Registration and agenda can be found here. 
• PC Biology and PC Green are sponsoring an encore presentation of Greg Peterson's Urban Farming lecture on Thursday, February 18 from 1pm-2:30pm in DB 224. .  You can grow produce, you can be green in the city!   This is worth 1 Personal Unit.    
• Don't forget: ASU Transfer Day will take place at Phoenix College Sophomore Square this Thursday, February 11 from 9am-1pm.  Don't miss this chance to speak to an ASU academic advisor about your major. 

Enjoy your week--and the upcoming long weekend!

PC STEM: Week of 2/01/2010-2/05/2010

Happy February, STEM Scholars!

I hope that you enjoyed the weekend!  Check out this week's announcements:

• Planning to transfer to ASU?  ASU Transfer Day will take place at Phoenix College Sophomore Square on Thursday, February 11 from 9am-1pm.  Don't miss this chance to speak to an ASU academic advisor about your major.  
• Have you started your FAFSA?  Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to begin the process.  Remember--applying early may mean more funding options for you.  Remember: completing the FAFSA is equivalent to 1 Financial Aid Unit.  
• PC Student Life is hosting a Blood Drive on February 16 from 9am-2pm in the Sophomore Square.  Help the community and earn 1 Personal Unit at the same time.  
• If you're interested in applying for the STEM Fellowship, please make an appointment with me ASAP.  Applications will not be distributed after this month in order to allow you sufficient time to fulfill the requirements by the April 30, 2010 deadline. 

Until next time! 

PC STEM : Week of 1/25/10-1/29/10

Hello, STEM Scholars:

I hope that all of you are having a good week.  Please see me about the STEM Fellowship if you haven't already.  Don't miss out on a funding opportunity just for STEM Scholars!

And now for the announcements:

• Need help completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) for the 2010-2011 school year?  Come to College Goal Saturday this weekend in the PC Computer Commons from 2pm-4pm!  The Financial Aid department will be around to help you renew or initiate your FAFSA while you're at the computer.    Students who appear to be eligible for Financial Aid and apply by the Priority Service Deadlines may qualify to have their tuition due date extended and may be eligible for a book voucher.  The application can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  PC's Financial Aid Department web site can be found here. Remember: completing the FAFSA is equivalent to 1 Financial Unit for the STEM Fellowship.
• Maricopa Grant Applications are being accepted for Spring 2010. You are eligible if you are: 1) enrolled in 3 credits or more; 2) charged in-state tuition and fees; 3) have need as determined by processed FAFSA and 4) are NOT receiving federal financial aid.  For more information and and application, click here.    
• We have scheduled a tour of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (T-Gen) on March 5 at 2pm.  T-Gen focuses on biomedical research.  For info and to RSVP, click here.    Attending this tour is equivalent to 1 Career Exploration/Development Unit.  
  
• The Sloan Career Cornerstone Center and Pathways to Science web sites are excellent resources for students pursuing STEM careers.   Take a moment to browse these web sites. 

Enjoy the rest of your week! 

STEM Educational and Career Development Fellowship (STEM ECDF)

We are pleased to announce the debut of the STEM Educational and Career Development Fellowship!  This fellowship can be used to defray the costs of endeavors related to pursuing STEM degrees.  Examples include the following:

• Summer or fall tuition for a gateway STEM course
• Book(s) for a gateway STEM course
• Registration fees/travel costs for a STEM conference
• Travel costs for a summer undergraduate research internship
• Other STEM-related endeavors as approved by Project Director Seth Goodman and Math and Science Specialist Valerie Hernandez.  

Only current STEM Scholars are eligible for the STEM ECDF.  Other basic criteria include enrollment in at least 6 credits at PC for Spring 2010 and a minimum 2.5 GPA.  If you meet the basic eligibility requirements and are interested in the STEM ECDF, please contact Valerie Hernandez at 602-295-7938 or valerie.hernandez@pcmail.maricopa.edu to make an appointment ASAP.  You must see Valerie in person in order to obtain an application and discuss further criteria. 

We hope to see you soon!