This project is implementing several activities designed to increase the number of students entering technology and engineering fields. The Technology Learning Academy includes and integrates faculty development, mandatory student orientation, personalized academic advisement, specialized blocked and linked courses, learning communities, and tutoring and writing intensive courses, all of which are facilitating close interaction between students, faculty, adjuncts and staff throughout the students' academic career. These activities are strengthening the students' academic, vocational and technical skills. As a result, the activities are increasing the retention rate of technology students, and subsequently increasing the numbers of graduates who continue on to four year programs.
National dissemination of these activities is being facilitated through existing partnerships with, and representation on regional and national networks of community college leaders which are involved in the Academy. Additional dissemination is occurring through national conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
