Transfer-to-Excellence: Research Experiences for Undergraduates at California Community Colleges

The Transfer-to-Excellence Research Experience for Undergraduates program (TTE REU) is a multi-disciplinary summer undergraduate research program hosted by three NSF-funded centers, the Center for Energy Efficient Electronics Science, the Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems, and the Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Together, these NSF-funded Centers’ cutting edge research programs are addressing the need for an energy revolution and accelerating advancements in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Using research as the catalyst for engagement, the TTE REU program has supported 30 community college students from the California Community College System. During the nine-week summer program, each TTE participant is paired with two mentors, a faculty advisor and graduate student mentor, who oversee and guide the student in independent research activities, through regular research group meetings and one-on-one discussions. Outside of their independent research projects, TTE participants are trained in research protocol, laboratory safety, and professional ethics; and participate in academic and professional development activities to prepare for a baccalaureate degree and career in science and engineering. The TTE REU program also partners with the UC Berkeley’s Transfer Alliance Project, which provides individualized academic and transfer advising and enrichment programs that prepare TTE participants to be competitive applicants to four-year colleges. To date, approximately 86% of the students eligible to transfer to a 4-year institution were admitted and are now enrolled. This paper provides an overview of the TTE REU program, examples of the research projects, a description of the evaluation and assessment tools, and results of student transfer to 4-year institutions.