Successful STEM student pathways: a two- and four-year partnership

Many geographically related two- and four-year institutions share a large percentage of their students. However, physics- or STEM-specific linkages between the institutions are often weak, despite the benefits of such linkages to the students. We have been engaged in a multi-year effort to strengthen the partnership between the physics and other STEM programs at two regional institutions, California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, with the goal of creating more coherent STEM pathways for students. Through steps such as building personal relationships among faculty and administrators across campuses, creating coherent academic support services, and establishing formal pathways for students, the partnership improved outcomes for students, including increases in the number of two-year students prepared in STEM domains, number of transfers, and the success of transfers within CSUSM STEM programs. In describing this process, we identify critical elements such as mutual respect, shared goals, aligned institutional missions, and the catalyst of external funding.