NCMPR Silver Paragon Award Winner Starting Them Young Certain

Outlook
COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE
FALL 2011
Outlook Magazine
NCMPR Silver Paragon
Award Winner
N
NS• ATIO
IO
ARKE
TI
RM
FO
COUNCIL
AL
N
PARAGON
AWARD
G
N
STEM Scholars
Starting Them Young
Dr. Novella Bridges
Certain for Greatness
& PUBLICA
T
2
15
13
LETTERS
CONTENTS
W
COVER STORY
hen people think about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, they
usually think of four-year degrees and beyond without realizing that nearly half of the nation’s STEMM
professionals (I’ve added an additional “M” for Medicine) are educated at community and technical
colleges either for the first two years or in terminal degree programs. At CBC, in addition to university transfer
offerings in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering, and other disciplines, we also have 34 Associate of Applied
Science degrees in fields from Nursing to Nuclear Technology, from Automotive Technology or Marketing to
Network Administration.
Faculty Focus: Kerrin Molton
17 Agriculture, science- and technology-driven
FEATURES
That’s why Columbia Basin College places an emphasis on (STEMM) programs. Locally, the importance of
“growing our own” scientists, technicians, engineers, and medical professionals-- all of whom must be fluent
in the language of science, which is mathematics--has never been more urgent. The Tri-Cities is a hub of
research activity that enables CBC to partner with great institutions like the Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory and Washington State University. As large waves of baby boomer professionals retire in
the coming years, our community will need greater numbers of students to pursue STEMM degrees and
internships in order to drive our community forward for generations.
High School Equivalency Program
1Barriers
Dr. Novella Bridges
2
Certain for greatness
3
STEM scholars, starting them young
Outreach
Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement
5
STEM: the next generation
If you are a high school student reading this, I encourage you to take math through your senior year because math fluency deteriorates after
only a one-year hiatus. Since all students must take college-level math no matter what career major they enter in college, make sure you come
prepared to succeed with all of the appropriate pre-college knowledge in your portfolio.
Columbia Basin College is training our future science and technology professionals with laboratories on par with any university. Our faculty are
well-educated and seasoned classroom professors. I encourage you to take a close look at the exciting careers available in the STEMM fields as
you check out this edition of the award-winning Outlook Magazine.
College Assistance Migrant Program
7
A sound investment
Richard Cummins
Upward Bound (TRIO)
9
[I]nterest + [s]upport = success
Nuclear Technology Program
11 New wave of nuclear technicians
Title V Institutional
13 In the classroom and beyond
Student Support Services (TRIO)
15 Engineering my future
HUD Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities
19 Small business seminars
PRESIDENT
I
t is with great excitement that we present to you the fall 2011 issue of Columbia Basin College’s awardwinning Outlook Magazine.
In light of the increasing number of careers and opportunities in the STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math) fields and the fact that the students served by the federal grant programs (first
generation, low-income, disabled, and traditionally underrepresented) are not present in adequate numbers
in these fields, we have decided to showcase both programs and individuals succeeding in these areas.
You will read about the new Community College MESA program at Columbia Basin College which,
in collaboration with the University of Washington and several other community colleges, focuses on
supporting traditionally underrepresented students in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. You
will also be exposed to two extraordinary women who are using their training in the sciences in two very
different fields.
If the United States is going to continue being a knowledge leader in the world we cannot continue
to depend as much on scientist and engineers from abroad to move us forward but we must also
find ways to ensure that our students not only pursue but also succeed in STEM-related majors and
careers.
About this Issue
The push to increase student capabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM), especially among underrepresented populations, is among the
Department of Education’s goals. With the nation importing knowledge-learners
from abroad to fill these gaps, the U.S. needs to ‘create our own,’ now more than
ever. In this issue of Outlook, the focus is on the importance of underrepresented
populations in STEM, the challenges these students face, and the resources available
through the various Columbia Basin College grant programs that aid in the success
of its STEM students.
Martín Valadez
VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY & OUTREACH
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY
PROGRAM
SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE
DR. NOVELLA BRIDGES
CERTAIN FOR
GREATNESS
BARRIERS
N
by Adán Suárez
I
n recent years, science,
technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM)
initiatives were developed to help
students be more prepared to obtain
a STEM-related career. However, these
students face challenges entering into these
fields.
The High School Equivalency Program
(HEP) students face similar challenges.
Some of these challenges include financial
assistance, language barriers, and the fear of
mathematics and science. Therefore, HEP
students choose other fields of study and/
or careers, although most, if not all jobs in
the future will require a basic understanding
of math and science.
All students who are served through HEP
have an increasing financial need to be
served through the project. Considering
this and other obstacles they face in
obtaining financial aid, many HEP students
rely solely on family financial assistance and
scholarships available to them. Due to this,
HEP GED recipients tend to seek other
affordable career paths that are short-term
certificated programs. These programs
D
include, English as a Second Language,
Welding, and Early Childhood Education.
Those related to STEM and are shortterm certificated programs that HEP GED
recipients pursue are phlebotomy, Nursing
Assistant Certification, and Administrative
Office Technology. Although these are areas
students go into, many are still held back
because of financial assistance as well as
their language barriers.
Nearly two-thirds of Columbia Basin College
HEP students are monolingual Spanish
speaking. Because of this, many students
will continue their education at CBC and
focus on their English language skills. Not
only have a student’s economic situation
and language become barriers to continuing
education in a STEM-related field, but also
the fear of mathematics and science.
Jesus Aguirre, a current HEP student writes
about STEM and shares that “the majority
of students struggle in math and science; as
a result they don’t pursue a STEM related
career.”
HEP students and staff are becoming more
aware of the need for STEM fields of study.
Understanding the barriers is an essential
part of finding solutions to these obstacles.
espués de recibir su GED (Diploma de Desarrollo Educativo General o Equivalente), los estudiantes de HEP
típicamente buscan obtener certificados y grados técnicos, debido a sus limitaciones financieras y lingüísticas en el
idioma inglés. Las opciones económicas asequibles que se ofrecen, les permite seguir una carrera a quienes tienen
un entendimiento básico de las matemáticas y las ciencias. Se espera que la ayuda financiera disponible y el vencimiento del
miedo a las matemáticas y las ciencias, puedan animar a más estudiantes a entrar en el programa STEM en el futuro.
Outlook
1
ovella Bridges was just a child
when her pediatrician gave
her a gift that she’s kept and
has never forgotten--a nickname. Her
already inquisitive nature prompted
her to wonder why he would give
her such a simple nickname as Novie.
The reply, “because sometimes very
simple things come up to make up the
most complex things;” this satisfied her
young mind and it has since become
a theme in Novella’s life. Only later
did Novie come to realize that he had
destined her for greatness.
As the youngest of five children,
Novella would grow up to become
the first in her family to complete her
college education and get an advanced
degree. Although all of her siblings
attended college, one by one they
all veered off to do other things. But
Novella made her own course; she
left Detroit to attend Jackson State
University, in Mississippi, where she
graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Chemistry.
“I decided that getting a college degree
and an education is something very
important, and [it] would allow me to
be different than everyone else,” she
explained to a full house at CBC’s 10th
Annual College Night.
by Dawn Alford
As keynote of this year’s event,
Novella inspired high school seniors
to not only attend college but to
choose a career path that not simply
has monetary benefits, but most
importantly, excites them. For Novella,
her motivation came from her high
school chemistry teacher.
“He [my teacher] did everything that
I thought was impossible to do; but
he did it in our classroom,” Novella
recounted, “everything from learning
how to fix hair dryers, to cars, to
video games. And I thought it was truly
amazing that the field of science can do
those neat things.”
This knowledge and excitement
bubbled over into her studies of
science in both high school and later,
college. Everything made sense.
Novella learned that she must learn the
simplest thing to understand the most
complex. She was hooked!
“I look at the world we live in now and
how so many of us are very attached
to our cell phones, video games, to our
CD players, iPods, all of these different
types of technologies. And I work
with these things every day! Because
of science, and my love of science,
and desire to go to college to get
that information, I’ve become one of
those people that create those things,”
recounted Novella.
In a field where women are
underrepresented, and even fewer
are African American, she did not let
this deter her. Little Novie grew up
to become Doctor Novella Bridges,
Senior Research Chemist at Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory. Not
bad, little Novie. Not bad at all.
S
iendo la más joven de cinco hermanos, Novella Bridges fue la primera de la familia en concluir su educación
secundaria y lograr un título universitario avanzado. Como oradora principal en la “Noche de CBC”, la doctora
Bridges inspiró a los estudiantes de último año de secundaria a elegir una carrera, no solamente pensando en el
ingreso monetario que podrían ganar, sino también por su gusto y entusiasmo hacia la profesión escogida. Su pasión por la
ciencia la condujo a convertirse en la doctora Novella Bridges, investigadora química.
Outlook
2
OUTREACH
STEM SCHOLARS,
STARTING
THEM
YOUNG
by Roy Garcia
T
he Department of Outreach at Columbia Basin College
exists to provide access to information about higher
education to prospective students in the K-12 school systems of
Benton and Franklin counties and the surrounding areas of the
Columbia Basin. The Outreach office also motivates students to
see college as an obtainable option.
As the Tri-Cities area continues to
grow, CBC strives to provide services
to meet the various needs of the
respective communities.
Due to the increasing needs of
science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) in all career
areas, STEM will be at the heart of
new industries and jobs that drive
innovation and spur future economic
growth. Despite the growing demand
for jobs in these fields, today, few
students earn degrees in STEM
disciplines.
STEM is necessary for the success
of current and future generations of
students. Kindergarten through 12thgrade education systems, with the
support of postsecondary education,
the business sector, foundations, and
Outlook
3
governments must ensure that 1) all
students graduate from high school
with the necessary science and math
competencies to compete in the
workforce; and 2) a greater number
of students graduate from high school
as potential professionals in STEM
fields. STEM education creates critical
thinkers, increases science literacy,
and enables the next generation of
innovators.
CBC has established programs
creating awareness to incorporate a
solid knowledge base in STEM areas.
Utilizing events such as College Night,
Engineering Day, Career Day, and
various presentations, the Outreach
department ensures that students are
introduced to STEM fields at various
stages in their academic lives.
A
pesar de la demanda
creciente de empleos
en ciencia, tecnología,
ingeniería, y matemáticas
(STEM), áreas centrales
de muchas carreras, pocos
estudiantes se gradúan
en esas disciplinas. Para
asegurar que los potenciales
estudiantes de los sistemas
escolares K-12 de los
condados de Franklin y
Benton, y áreas circundantes
estén familiarizados con las
áreas de STEM, CBC y su
departamento de Extensión
establecieron eventos como
la Noche de CBC, el Día de
la Ingeniería y la Jornada para
la Orientación Profesional.
Outlook
4
MESA
STEM:
THE NEXT
GENERATION
by Gabriela Whitemarsh
W
ithin the last few decades, we have seen unbelievable advances in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (STEM) that have had a tremendous impact on the world we live in today. It is of vital
importance to keep moving in that direction if we are to continue to invent new technologies that will make our
lives easier, discover cures for diseases that affect our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends, or to put it simply, to
solve the problems that plague our world.
This generation of scientists, engineers,
and mathematicians have made these
discoveries and improved our lives
in ways we never imagined possible.
As this generation comes closer
to retirement, it is time for a new
generation of STEM professionals to
think beyond the limits and break
through the barriers that exist.
This new generation needs to be
versatile, diverse, and strong. It also
needs to include people that have
not only survived, but have fought
and succeeded against all odds on an
uneven playing field.
Columbia Basin College is one of six
community colleges in the state of
Washington that has a National Science
Outlook
5
Foundation grant that specifically
focuses on developing that workforce.
The Mathematics Engineering Science
Achievement (MESA) Community
College program recruits and retains
first-generation college students that
are traditionally underrepresented in
the STEM areas. MESA students are
not only underrepresented minorities
(URM), they are also the first in their
families to attend college and pursue
a bachelor’s degree. First generation
college students do not have the
advantage of going through their K-12
education with a parent in their home
that has been through the system,
knows how everything works, and
is knowledgeable of what it takes to
prepare for college and succeed in
college.
In an effort to increase the number of
first generation, URM students entering
the STEM professional workforce,
CBC’s MESA program provides
academic advising, Academic Excellence
Workshops, professional linkages
with the local STEM community,
a MESA Center, and support in
finding internships and scholarships.
The program focuses on not only
developing the student academically,
but also as a future STEM professional.
Just as MESA students have paved
the way to a better future for their
younger brothers and sisters, they will
do so for future generations to come.
L
os increíbles avances en las áreas de la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas (STEM) están teniendo
un gran impacto en el mundo actual. Es de vital importancia seguir en esa dirección. Para aumentar el número de
graduados de primera generación, y ayudar a estudiantes de una minoría carente de representación y que conforman la
fuerza laboral en STEM, el Programa de Matemáticas, Ingeniería y Ciencias de CBC se concentra en su desarrollo académico
y en su futuro profesional.
Outlook
6
COLLEGE ASSISTANCE
MIGRANT PROGRAM
A SOUND
INVESTMENT
by Miriam Fierro
I
t would take little research to find, that
there is a severe shortage of highly-skilled
STEM students and professionals who come
from underrepresented minority groups, not
to mention women. In fact, in a recent article
from The Press Enterprise, it mentioned, “While
the nation’s need for STEM college graduates
grows, the number of Latinos in those fields far
lags the national average. Unless more Latinos…
enter STEM fields, the shortage will worsen.”
It is statements like these that bring to light the
grave danger we face as a country if we do not
invest time, energy, and yes, money into working
to close this insurmountable gap. It also has lead
offices in Washington D.C., such as the Office of
Migrant Education, to take note and encourage
its grantees, like the College Assistance Migrant
Program (CAMP), to pursue various avenues
to help bolster the number of Latino STEM
graduates; knowing that it benefits all Americans.
Therefore, we, the Columbia Basin College
(CBC) College Assistance Migrant Program
(CAMP) have been forging a strong partnership
with the CBC Mathematics Engineering Science
Achievement (MESA) Community College
program. We know that investing in our
students, through institutional partnerships and
resources will create a successful increase in the
number of STEM majors in our program.
Since the start of the MESA program at CBC,
CAMP has seen an increase of STEM majors by
more than 20 percent. We attribute greater
exposure to STEM field opportunities, such as
scholarship and internship awareness, focused
academic tutoring in developmental math
courses, our students’ ability to foster a strong,
personable relationship with the CBC MESA
Director, as well as, general career exploration to
this increase.
H
ay una severa escasez de estudiantes altamente calificados en STEM y de profesionales, en este campo, provenientes
de grupos minoritarios sin representación. El Programa de Asistencia al Inmigrante de CBC (CAMP), ha establecido
una fuerte sociedad con el Programa de Matemáticas, Ingeniería y Ciencia (MESA). Desde el inicio de MESA en
CBC, CAMP ha contabilizado un aumento de más del 20% en las especializaciones de grupos minoritarios sin representación
en el programa STEM.
Outlook
7
CBC CAMP is on the path to change the stigma
that so many students have in relation to their
ability to thrive in STEM fields. We are confident
that this partnership, along with the fundamental
retention principles we’ve instituted within CBC
CAMP, will only continue to bolster increases in
the number of underrepresented minorities who
pursue STEM-related fields and graduate from
CBC. Frankly, what better way to do so than
through, what we know, will be a long-standing
institutional partnership with MESA.
Outlook
8
UPWARD BOUND (TRIO)
[I]NTEREST
+[S]UPPORT
________
SUCCESS
by Jose Mariscal and Susan Vega
I
am Jose Mariscal, a former Upward Bound (UB) student and
current Columbia Basin College sophomore. My long-range goals
include obtaining a Ph.D. in the field of materials engineering while
maintaining strong family ties and always striving to achieve my best.
My interests in the sciences were sparked in elementary
school where I would play “scientist” in the backyard.
I really discovered my surprising abilities in math and
science when I reached my sophomore year of high
school and realized that I had completed all credits in
those subjects needed to graduate. My immediate family
pushed me to take tougher classes and apply for an
internship at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
This work experience has continued to broaden my
scientific awareness for almost four years now. I have
been accepted at Washington State University in
Pullman for the fall of 2011.
I have had the unique opportunity to participate in
many CBC programs. In high school, I was an Upward
Bound (UB) student. My two older siblings went
through the program and spoke highly of the assistance
and resources it offered. UB allowed me to speak with
others like myself, also first generation potential college
students, and share experiences while gaining lifelong
friends.
Outlook
9
I immediately transitioned into the College Assistance
Migrant Program (CAMP) after graduating from KionaBenton City High School. I was greatly impacted by the
motivation and guidance of my CAMP advisor, Lupe
Contrereas. Within my first year at CBC, I completed
the entire calculus and chemistry series.
I was referred to the Mathematics Engineering Science
Achievement (MESA) program by the Upward Bound
Director. MESA has benefitted me greatly by providing
the Supplemental Instruction (SI) room and tutors. This
year, I joined Student Support Services (SSS)/TRiO.
They have a wonderful staff and multifarious resources.
The direction provided by my SSS advisor has been
remarkable. I am ready to seamlessly transition to
complete my university studies next fall. (They also
have SSS and McNair Graduate programs at WSU.)
The love I have for my parents and brother and sister
are my greatest motivation. I would love nothing more
than to give them the opportunity to see what we, as a
family, have achieved with each other’s help.
S
oy José Mariscal, un antiguo estudiante de Upward Bound y actualmente curso el segundo año en CBC. Mis objetivos
de largo plazo incluyen la obtención de un doctorado en ingeniería de materiales mientras mantengo fuertes lazos
familiares, siempre dispuesto a hacer mi mejor esfuerzo. Mi interés por las ciencias nació cuando era estudiante de
primaria, cuando yo jugaba a ser un “científico” en el patio de la escuela. El próximo otoño asistiré a la Universidad del
Estado de Washington, en Pullman.
Outlook
10
NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM
NEW WAVE OF
NUCLEAR
TECHNICIANS
by Kelsey Myers and Casey Roberts
C
olumbia Basin College
has a long history of
educating nuclear industry
professionals. The current
program was incorporated in
fall 2009, and the first graduates
walked this spring 2011. The
Nuclear Technology program
offers associate degrees in two
option areas, Instrumentation &
Control Technician and Radiation
Protection Technician; with a third
option, Non-Licensed Operator,
under development. Degree
options will vary depending on
local and national industry demand.
With an aging workforce and the
introduction of new technology,
CBC has stepped up to train a
younger, more diverse body of
highly-skilled technicians that will
be responsible for environmental
protection, remediation, and
production of nuclear energy. Our
program is funded by industry
support, student fees, and federal
grants. The Nuclear Regulatory
Commission provides funds for
faculty, staff, student scholarships,
and supplies. The Department of
Energy has designated a large sum
for instructional equipment to
train future Radiation Protection
Technicians.
Outlook
11
The students pursuing Nuclear
Technology must achieve a high
level of math and science education,
including physics, chemistry, and
pre-calculus. The pathway they
have chosen also provides unique
opportunities.
The following is the perspective of
first-year student Farris Khayyat:
“I spent quite some time pursuing
an electrical engineering degree,
but once I started learning what
it was that they do, I decided that
path wasn’t for me. I’m a very
hands-on person, and what I saw
during my internship were engineers
sitting behind desks, writing papers,
directing tasks from afar… Not
my cup of tea. I much prefer using
equipment and instruments, doing
“real work” with the satisfaction of
seeing tasks completed firsthand. In
the Nuclear Technology program,
we can take what we learn in class
and apply it right away, usually
during the next class period, which
really helps cement the connection
between theory and application in
our heads.
Almost all of the instructors work in
the local industry, so they are able
to give us real insight into what goes
on out in the Area, as well as giving
us students an inside connection.
Having this direct link is an amazing
opportunity for us to get our feet in
the door in terms of internships and
jobs.”
T
omando en cuenta la existencia de una fuerza laboral en edad madura y la introducción de nueva tecnología, CBC ha
reforzado el entrenamiento de jóvenes técnicos con diversas y excelentes habilidades. Este grupo será responsable
de la protección ambiental, las medidas correctivas y la producción de energía nuclear. Los estudiantes que siguen
la carrera de Tecnología Nuclear deben alcanzar un alto nivel de educación en matemáticas y ciencias, incluyendo física,
química y pre-cálculo. El camino que ellos han elegido proporciona oportunidades únicas.
Outlook
12
TITLE V- INSTITUTIONAL
IN THE CLASSROOM AND
BEYOND
by Andrew Crawmer
F
ive years ago, Columbia Basin
College was awarded by the U.S.
Department of Education, a Title
V grant of more than $2 million. The
purpose of this grant, based upon CBC
being a Hispanic Serving Institution,
was to strengthen student success.
One of the two major components to
reach this goal has been to strengthen
instructional programs. Years three,
four, and five for the grant have
focused on math and science and the
objective of increased student learning
and access through technology and
faculty development.
Student access and learning were
increased in Title V-sponsored pilot
projects in math courses through the
introduction of math workshops,
portable instructional technology, and
additional professional development
Outlook
13
opportunities for math faculty. In
courses where the new technologies
and opportunities were implemented,
students’ success (those scoring a
grade C or better) was increased by
more than 10 percentage points in
comparison to the previous baseline
year.
For the final year of the grant, science
has been the major focus. This year,
several pilot projects are underway
to help promote student learning and
provide greater access to technology
and opportunities. Title V was able to
fund the acquisition of six anatomy
and physiology power labs. These
portable power labs, when connected
to a laptop, allow for students to
measure blood pressure, pulse, an
ECG, respiration, EEG, and nerve and
muscle stimulation. Another project
is the Remote Observatory pilot that
will allow remote access to CBC’s
observatory in the classroom and
beyond.
Other projects that have and will
continue to impact student success
in math and science opportunities
have been Title V’s funding and
development of the Tutor Center and
the creation of smart classrooms which
incorporate many different kinds of
technology into the classroom. With
a great emphasis currently, and in all
likelihood, in the future, on STEM,
Title V has helped further CBC’s
commitment to providing access for
all students in the fields of math and
science. Though the Title V grant
will soon end, it is our hope that the
impact of opportunities it provided will
continue to be felt for years to come.
E
n los últimos cinco años,
Title V, un subsidio
federal financiado por el
Departamento Estadounidense
de Educación, ha permitido el
aprendizaje de los estudiantes
y su acceso a las matemáticas
mediante proyectos pilotos
realizados en CBC. En el
proyecto del año pasado la
ciencia fue el enfoque principal,
y varios proyectos pilotos están
hoy siendo promovidos para
que los estudiantes adquieran
un mayor y mejor aprendizaje
al tener más acceso a la
tecnología.
Outlook
14
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
(TRIO)
M
arianeth Becerril is a Student Support
Services (SSS) student, pursuing her dream
of becoming an engineer. She shared with
me her story and her belief that if everyone had the
opportunity to obtain a college education the world
would be a better place.
C
oming from a migrant family,
I learned to work hard and
to adapt to any situation. We
moved many times and we would
always travel by car. While traveling,
I had the opportunity to pass through
many cities and cross many bridges. I
liked to study the architecture of the
buildings, bridges, and skyscrapers and
I learned to appreciate roads, bridges,
and other means of transportation.
This is why I decided to become
an engineer. I want to be involved
in the construction of the buildings
and structures that people use every
day. As an engineer, I will have the
opportunity to give back to the
community.
Columbia Basin College has programs
that have encouraged me to pursue
an engineering career. Programs like
CAMP (College Assistance Migrant
Program), MESA (Mathematics
Engineering Science Achievement),
and SSS (Student Support Services)
have provided me with the support
and guidance that I need to be a
successful student. CBC has created
an environment where my interest
in engineering is nurtured. Pursuing
a STEM major at CBC has been a
satisfying experience and the programs
and resources offered here have
encouraged me to keep working hard
towards my goal.
ENGINEERING
MY FUTURE
by Tina Perez
One of the reasons I think students
don’t attend college is because they
have little knowledge of the resources
available to help them navigate their
way into higher education. I would
tell them the importance of obtaining
a college education and would tell
them about the SSS program and the
services they provide. I would tell
those students to never give up and
to remember that there is always
someone at CBC who is willing to
help and provide advice. I have always
believed that an education is something
that no one can take away from you.
M
arianeth Becerril es una estudiante del Servicio de Ayuda Estudiantil (SSS) que persigue el sueño de llegar a ser
ingeniera. Viniendo de una familia de inmigrantes, Marianeth aprendió a trabajar fuertemente y a adaptarse a
cualquier situación. Mediante el uso de recursos del Programa de Asistencia a los Inmigrantes (SSS) y de los
Programas en matemáticas, ingeniería y ciencias disponibles en CBC, ella ha recibido el apoyo y la guía necesarios para ser
una estudiante exitosa. En una entrevista reciente Marianeth expresó, que “estudiar para una especialidad en STEM, en
CBC, ha sido una experiencia muy satisfactoria, y los programas y recursos ofrecidos aquí me han motivado para seguir
trabajando y lograr mis objetivos.”
Outlook
15
Outlook
16
FACULTY FOCUS
A
s the demand for food productivity increases and the requirements to lessen
environmental impacts become more stringent, today’s agriculture has
evolved into a science- and technology-driven occupation. Yet, many still
see the field of agriculture as just ‘cows and plows.’ Kerrin Molton, Columbia Basin
College Assistant Professor of Agriculture is working to break this myth and grow a
new crop of highly-skilled AG professionals.
KERRIN MOLTON
AGRICULTURE, SCIENCEAND TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN
by Dawn Alford
Not having come from a farming background,
Kerrin’s love for agriculture blossomed when
she began taking AG classes in high school.
She admits, her initial reason for taking these
classes was solely to make her eligible for more
scholarships. But what started as a collegefunding mission soon became her career
choice, one that she now shares with her
students.
Upon graduating with her Bachelor’s in
Agriculture Education, Kerrin left the wheat
fields of Washington State University for a
teaching position at Kahlotus High School, in
rural eastern Washington. Though many of
her students came from farming backgrounds,
those that did not quickly began to see the
relevance of agriculture. In fact, several of her
former students are now pursuing AG careers.
“One [student] was going to be a geneticist
and now she’s going to be an AG teacher,” she
said, laughing.
Kerrin began teaching at CBC in the fall of
2007; breathing life into the newly-redesigned
Agriculture program. The first year, she taught
12-15 students. Four years later, that number
almost doubled. But, the challenge remains
to dispel the myths about AG while informing
potential students that the curriculum is quite
demanding. For instance, chemistry and biology
classes as well as statistics are required learning.
The field is wide open, too, with career
opportunities in production and farming to
agribusiness and R&D.
“I get people saying ‘you’re just teaching about
cows and plows,’” states Kerrin, “but it’s so
much bigger. People have no idea how high
tech farming is.”
Everything from the amount of water that
is applied to a crop to crop rotation and the
amount of
pesticides
or
chemicals that
are used are calibrated
carefully—much of it operated through a
computer in a central office. Today’s tractors
and combines are on GPS so they can navigate
rows within six inches of where they started.
According to Kerrin, this precision has reduced
chemical use by 70 percent in the last 10 years.
And that’s just the scientific crop side.
Kerrin’s ability to convey her knowledge and
passion to her students recently won her
the Outstanding Postsecondary Agricultural
Education Teacher award by the National
Association of Agriculture Educators. She is one
of only four instructors, nationally, to receive
the award. Kerrin continues to plant seeds for
the new wave of AG professionals.
L
a comunidad agrícola actual, más que en cualquier otra época de la historia, afronta
una gran presión para producir, espesialmente cuando más tecnología es usada para
satisfacer esta necesidad. El campo de la agricultura todavía es visto por muchos
como solamente ‘vacas y arados’. Kerrin Molton, profesor adjunto de Agricultura, en
Columbia Basin College, tiene como propósito romper esos mitos y cultivar una nueva
cosecha de profesionales expertos en agricultura.
Outlook
17
Outlook
18
HUD HSIAC
C
SMALL BUSINESS
SEMINARS
olumbia Basin College’s HUD HSIAC grant
staff has worked diligently with City of Pasco
officials to complete the first phase of the
Façade Improvement program. Although progress
of the Façade Improvement program has been
delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, grant staff
has focused their work towards completing other
components of the HUD HSIAC grant objectives.
THE
DIRECTORS
Miriam Fierro
CAMP
College Assistance Migrant Program
Roy Garcia
Outreach
by Rolando Garcia
Grant staff has provided numerous one-on-one sessions with downtown Pasco business owners to discuss a variety
of business resources and for the development of business plans, marketing plans, and strategies, along with business
educational opportunities. CBC’s HUD HSIAC grant in collaboration with Numerica Credit Union and The Tri-Cities
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted six small business seminars throughout the months of March and April. These
weekly seminars were free of charge and designed to aid local business merchants for continued business growth and
development of better business practices. The seminars were held at CBC’s Columbia Business Access Center and were
taught by a talented group of knowledgeable and experienced business professionals.
Adán Suárez
Gabriela Whitemarsh
Rolando Garcia
Andrew Crawmer
HEP
High School Equivalency Program
MESA
Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement
Tutor & Math Success Center
Some of the well-attended seminars included: Customer and Competitor Analysis, Basic Marketing Principles, Screening
Your Business Ideas, Basic Accounting Principles, Starting a New Business (Legal Issues), and Writing Your Business Plan &
Business Finance Overview.
Attendees were extremely active in all
of the workshops and captivated by all
of the instructors and their respective
curriculum. More than 80 percent
of the participants attended all six
workshops.
“I am so happy that I was able to
attend these workshops,” stated
one attendee. “I really can’t thank
CBC’s HUD HSIAC grant, Numerica,
and Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce enough for giving us the
opportunity to attend such informative
workshops that will help me with my
business.”
HUD HSIAC
Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Assisting Communities
Amy Stroud
SSS (TRiO)
Student Support Services
Title V Institutional
Department of Energy Cooperative
Kelsey Myers
Nuclear Technology
Susan Vega
Upward Bound (TRiO)
A
unque el progreso visible en las fachadas de los negocios del centro de la cuidad de Pasco se ha reducido, el personal
administrativo HUD HSIAC se ha mantenido muy ocupado. Con el fin de ayudar a los pequeños empresarios, se
han organizado talleres y seminarios. “Estoy muy feliz de haber asistido a estos talleres” declaró un asistente quien
añadió que “realmente no puedo agradecer lo suficiente a HUD de CBC, al subsidio de HSIAC, a Numérica, y a la Cámara
de Comercio Hispana de Tri-Cities por darnos esta oportunidad.”
GRANT INFORMATION/ CBC DISCLAIMER
The U.S. Department of Education provides 100% funding for the following Columbia Basin College federal programs for the 2010-11 academic year: College Assistance Migrant Program at $402,947, Student Support Services
at $301,347, Upward Bound at $366,988.00, High School Equivalency Program at $450,026, and the Title V Institutional grant at $573,665. Washington MESA Community College program grant is funded by the National Science
Foundation through the University of Washington at $275,000 from 2009-2014. The Community Focused Scholarship in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science scholarship program is funded by the National Science Foundation through Washington State University Tri-Cities at $31,827 for the 2010-2011 academic year. The Washington College Access Network program is funded at $20,000 from 2010-2011. HUD HSIAC grant is
funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development at $600,000 from 2009-2012. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission provides funding for the following federal program: Nuclear Scholarship program at $120,000
for the 2010-2011 academic year, Minority Serving Institution program at $180,000 from 2010-2012, and the Nuclear Education Curricula Development grant program at $100,000 for the 2010-2011 academic year. The Department of Energy provides funding for the Nuclear Energy University Programs-Infrastructure Support at $166,389 for 2010-2011.
Columbia Basin College complies with the spirit and letter of state and federal laws, regulations and executive orders pertaining to civil rights, equal opportunity and affirmative action. CBC does not discriminate on the basis
of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation or Vietnam veteran status in its educational programs or employment. Questions may be referred to Camilla
Glatt, Vice President for Human Resources & Legal Affairs, (509) 542-5548. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all college sponsored events and programs. If you have a disability and require an accommodation, please contact the CBC Resource Center, (509) 547-4412, or TTY/TDD at (509) 546-0400. This notice is available in alternative media by request.
Outlook
19
Outlook 20
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
CBC awarded the 2011
Science Education Advocate Award
STEM at Work
Statistics class performed statistical
analyses for the Dept. of Ecology’s
Nuclear Waste program
Annual
Family Math Night
Kerrin Molton, named 2010
National Outstanding Postsecondary
Agricultural Education Teacher
For a current list of events and times,
visit the diversity calendar
columbiabasin.edu/diversity
Author Sheila Tobias featured lecturer during fall In Service