EO-03. Attracting Students into Science: Mentor for a Summer Student Research Program for Community College Students

Abstract
The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) is a summer research internship program for Colorado community students. Compared with 4YC students, community college (2YC) students often have different goals and backgrounds that include: veteran or minority status, significant family responsibilities, rural or lower-income community residency, full- or part-time work off campus, and preparation for second careers. The goal of RECCS is to give these students an authentic research experience that allows them to explore environmental or geosciences and gain the confidence to transition to a four-year program in the STEM disciplines. We are always looking for mentors! The program has had a high success rate with the majority of our alums continuing onto Front Range universities, many on scholarship, and graduating with secured employment or going onto graduate school. This program, started in 2014, received renewal funding in 2020 from the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (REU).