Tribal Colleges and Universities: Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Enhancement

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Project SummaryFort Peck Community College (FPCC), a tribal college, is located on the FortPeck Reservation in northeastern Montana. FPCC provides academic and vocationalprograms and community service to the 10,000 members of the Assiniboine and Siouxtribes and area residents. In 1999-2000, FPCC had an average enrollment of 233 students.Approximately 85% of the students are Native American - nearly all are enrolledmembers of the Sioux and Assiniboine Tribes. In June 2000, there were 30 graduateswith Associate Degrees. Of these, only 4 (13%) were in science, mathematics,engineering and technology (SMET) disciplines.Curriculum Enhancement: Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes1-1. By Fall 2003, all entering students will be advised to enroll in appropriate levelsof SMET courses based on assessment scores and previous achievement.1-2. By Fall 2004, instructors will have integrated technology into 6 introductorySMET courses.1-3. By Fall 2005, instructors will have integrated technology into 6 advanced SMETcourses.Faculty Development: Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes2-1. Each year, two SMET instructors will attend one regional or one nationalconference specifically focused on integrating technology into courses accordingto national standards.2-2. By Spring 2005, all eight SMET instructors will have completed one semester offaculty exchange or sabbatical at another academic institution or nationallaboratory.2-3. By Fall 2003, each SMET instructor will have designed and implemented a Web-based course based on national standards.Undergraduate Training: Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes3-1. By Fall 2003, student enrollment in SMET courses will increase by 10%.3-2. By Fall 2004, ten students will be selected for internship placement in local sites.3-3. By Spring 2005, five students will graduate with SMET majors and/or transfersto four-year institutions.3-4. By Spring 2006, five students will enter SMET careers.Expected Impact. This project will impact the college and reservation in severalways. Implementation of an appropriate system of assessment and student placement inbeginning SMET classes will increase the completion rate to 70%. The addition of thecomputer laboratories and wireless communication will increase the FPCC capacity tooffer additional SMET classes and research and increase enrollment in advanced SMETclasses by 10%. As a result of the student internships, the percent of SMET majorsentering math, science and technology careers is expected to increase by 10%. Thestudents assigned to internships will become aware of career opportunities in math,science and computer technology especially in the region. The addition of the Web-basedcourses, especially advanced courses, will further increase enrollment and coursecompletions. Involvement of the Advisory Committee will increase potential training andservice opportunities. FPCC will enter into partnerships with tribal businesses and privatecompanies for training and education especially in computer applications.