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Expanding Pathways to Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (EPSEM)

The Program: The Expanding Pathways to Science, Engineering and Mathematics (EPSEM) program seeks to inspire and nurture students towards pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through multi-tiered, articulated academic mentorship. This program targets talented and motivated students who can benefit from additional encouragement and academic support. We build partnerships with K12 schools and community colleges to expand the pathways in which such students may successfully pursue their academic and career aspirations in STEM fields.

Student Activities: EPSEM organizes student activities year-round, as well as coordinates with several other partner programs which serve students from nontraditional backgrounds. School year activities include science/math clubs at the home school site, quarterly visits to the UCSB campus for career exploration seminars, research lab tours, and social events. In our summer residential program, students will interact with university science, engineering and mathematics researchers through a variety of social, academic, and professional development activities. Students will work on lab projects in a research lab, learn new strategies for academic success, work on team design/problem solving, develop public speaking skills, discuss career options with professionals, and develop their leadership skills.

University Mentors: University faculty, post-doctoral, and graduate student researchers in science, engineering and mathematics play an integral role as mentors to EPSEM students. Our advisory faculty group contributes to the development of new activities and curriculum, and examines ways to impact the retention of students in science, engineering and mathematics courses.

EPSEM Partners

(go to our Contacts Page for more details)

  • High Schools: UCSB Partnership Schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties (visit the Early Academic Outreach website for list of partnership high schools http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/eao/eao/PartnershipSchools/index.asp)
  • Community Colleges: Allan Hancock College, Oxnard College, Santa Barbara City College, and Ventura College
  • UCSB Organizations: Admissions, Early Academic Outreach, College of Engineering, Educational Opportunity Program, Campus Outreach Initiatives

The EPSEM program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.