This grant would allow CIT to capacity build in the STEM curricular areas as we develop the breadth and depth of assorted associate degrees. Student recruitment and retention will be enhanced through innovative strategies applicable to a population that has historically been excluded from opportunities in mainstream STEM programs.
Scientific/Intellectual Merit: The learning laboratory, classrooms, and science labs will be equipped with scientific and technological equipment that will make the educating of students in STEM courses possible and allow CIT to become a more noticeable presence on the Navajo Nation. The grant will provide enhancement of existing and development of new learning and teaching strategies such as internships, cooperative exchanges, paid research experiences, and research exchanges with federal labs and universities. Faculty research capacity capabilities will be developed now that CIT is a candidate for accreditation and strives to become accredited. Such progress would allow CIT to compete for additional funding from research agencies and organizations in the future. Existing unique programs such as veterinary technician, nursing, dental assistant and environmental sciences will be able to reach full accreditation by their professional organizations as well. Funding from the NSF/TCUP program will assure that these programs will be successful. The Institute.s programs fill a unique vocational/technical niche in the educational opportunities available to Native American Indian students.
Chief Manuelito, a Navajo Leader of the 1860s, is on record as having spoken of education as a ladder toward a brighter and more prosperous future.
Program Impact: The NSF funded project would allow CIT to develop badly needed infrastructure to meet its mission of providing a quality technical/vocational education to its students. The capacity building embedded in this proposal would move CIT into a leadership capacity by allowing us to broaden degree and certificate program offerings. Also we would be able to address the critical shortage of students entering into STEM content fields through better recruitment and retention efforts.
