Danielle Gibson knew she had the brains for a career in health care. What wasn’t obvious, though, was how she’d find a way into the high-wage, high-demand profession. Doors to jobs in hospitals don’t just open for girls growing up on Cleveland’s east side. “These sort of careers aren’t put in front of kids from the inner city,” Gibson said. “They’re not presented as options.”
Gibson is one of seven outstanding Tri-C students selected as a Siemens Technical Scholar as part of the award. Each student received a scholarship. (See box on page 15.)
That’s a reality shared by millions of Americans — particularly women, people of color and those from lower-income communities who have historically been underrepresented within STEM fields.
“Removing barriers for those who are under-resourced and underrepresented in higher education is a priority at Tri-C,” Johnson said. “We strive to create pathways to higher-income jobs and a stable future for those who need it most.”
Change is coming, however, through award-winning programs at Cuyahoga Community College and other two-year schools.
U.S. employment in STEM fields is projected to grow at almost double the rate of non-STEM occupations. More than half of all STEM jobs across the United States require no more than an associate degree and pay wages that average more than $50,000 annually.
This past fall, Tri-C’s nursing program won a coveted Excellence and Equity in Community College STEM Award. The award is given out every two years by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Siemens Foundation. Eight colleges across the country earned 2020-2021 honors, which recognize: • Outstanding preparation and training for high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, energy, health care or information technology • Intentional outreach and support of diverse populations that typically are underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math — commonly referred to as STEM
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Tri-C President Alex Johnson called it an honor to be among the recipients. He said the College is committed to opening opportunities for students like Gibson, who expects to graduate from the Nursing Center of Excellence in December.
TRI-C TIMES
Tri-C and others honored with the Excellence and Equity in Community College STEM Award play a critical role in working to meet this demand, particularly when it comes to reaching populations underrepresented in STEM fields. “Success often begins with the belief in what’s possible, particularly for those feeling the weight of socioeconomic determinants,” said Wendy Batch-Wilson, Tri-C’s dean of nursing. “Supports within our nursing program — including peer mentoring by those who have already completed the journey — help build confidence for students to achieve and advance in the profession.”
