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STEM Core Program

STEM students on NASA field trip

General Information

Silicon Valley Career Pathways logo

The STEM Core is program at West Valley College is a learning community designed to engage students who are interested in perusing a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering and math fields. During the one-year duration students will take a block of cohort Math, Computer Science or Engineering courses that prepare students for Calculus, advanced Engineering and Computer Science classes in one academic year.

Begin the STEM Core Application

Meet Your STEM Core Specialist

Elizabeth Flores

Elizabeth Flores

EOPS
Counselor and STEM Core Specialist

(408) 741-2503
elizabeth.flores@wvm.edu
Student Services Center

STEM Core Is Open To All
STEM Core classes for Fall 2021
Fall 2021 STEM Core Classes
Course Course Title Section Number Instructor
MATH 1 Pre-Calculus 70344 K. Jackanich
AND
ENGR 10 Introduction to Engineering 71083 Rafatu/Liu
OR
CIST 5A Introduction to Python 71079 T. Liu

STEM Core Benefits

  • Math Pathway to Calculus
  • Loan textbook and graphing calculators
  • Embedded in-class tutors
  • Connections to tech companies and networking events
  • Career coaching and workshops
  • Scholarships and internship opportunities

Eligibility

Course Course Title Section Number Instructor
MATH 1 Pre-Calculus 70344 K. Jackanich
  AND    
ENGR 10 Introduction to Engineering 71083 Rafatu/Liu
  OR    
CIST 5A Introduction to Python 71079 T. Liu

Academic, Career, and Personal Support

  • Students from underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to be a part of STEM Core
  • Receive support from Peer Tutors, Staff and Faculty
  • Take MATH 1 (Pre-calculus), MATH D (Trigonometry) or MATH 2 (Pre-calculus & Trigonometry)
  • Eligibility to take MATH 3A after completing STEM Core courses in one year
  • Receive support to prepare for major courses

Program Benefits

  • Guaranteed placement in STEM Core courses
  • Take classes with the same group of students
  • Free textbook loans, calculators, and supplies
  • Help crafting resumes and scholarship essays
  • Extra Tutoring
  • One on one academic support and personal support
  • STEM Core cohorts around the state pass classes at 20-30% higher
  • Embedded tutoring and math workshops
  • Go from Intermediate Algebra to Calculus in 2 semesters
  • Compete for paid summer internships at Lockheed Martin, NASA Ames, Stanford Linear Accelerator and other employers (many internships are exclusive to STEM Core participants)
  • Visit local engineering and computer science employers (Tesla, SAP)
  • Job shadowing opportunities at NASA Ames

Newletters

Last Updated 6/29/21