Coastal Mississippi is experiencing an economic boom in the technology-intensive industries of aerospace, shipbuilding, geospatial, advanced materials, and marine science sectors. The workforce needs of these industries are targeted by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which is preparing 125 academically talented but financially needy STEM majors for job placement or transfer to STEM programs at baccalaureate institutions. Potential students from underrepresented groups are recruited for enrollment. STEM majors are supported through an early alert system and team building initiative to improve their success and program completion. Students enrolled through this STEM initiative are also given leadership training and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and enroll in university-parallel programs that ensure their ability to meet articulation agreements for seamless transfer.
