What is CSE? [top]

CSE is an academic support program for students majoring in biological, computer and physical science, technology, mathematics or engineering (STEM fields) at Contra Costa College (CCC). The program began in 1996 with a generous grant from the Army Research Office in the United States Department of Defense. Since then, it has been institutionalized by the college and received funding from the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program, Department of Education (DoEd) and National Science Foundation (NSF). CSE program received a Presidential Award in 2001 and CCC is the first (of only two) community college in the United States receiving such an award up to date.

What is the mission of CSE? [top]

The mission of the CSE is four pronged:

  • to provide students strong academic support in biological, computer and physical science, technology, engineering and mathematics;
  • to enhance students’ academic experience;
  • to prepare students for a seamless transfer process to universities; and
  • to increase the number of students from the financially and academically disadvantaged groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

To fulfill its mission, the CSE is committed to providing our students various benefits upon joining the CSE.

Our Students [top]

Up to December 2006, CSE has served more than 600 students and its student body is represented in the pie chart below:

Statistics

There is a measurable improvement in student G.P.A after participating in the program. Overall retention rates for CSE students are also markedly higher than for the rest of the college population.

CSE students transfer mostly to Universities of California and California State Universities. Transfer schools are represented in the pie chart below:

Transfer Statistics

Most CSE transfer students complete their baccalaureate degree within two and a half years of transferring. Most students have successful career upon completing their baccalaureate degree and quite a few students continue on their education to medical, dental, optometry and pharmacy schools.

What are the Benefits of Joining CSE? [top]

Upon Joining CSE, students receive:

  1. a safe learning environment and study area in PS 107 and 109;
  2. academic and career mentoring by CCC professors and professionals;
  3. faculty led workshops in chemistry, physics and mathematics;
  4. peer tutoring in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering;
  5. opportunities for community service;
  6. seminars or presentations by field professionals;
  7. academic trips to places with science and technology emphasis;
  8. information on scholarships and research internship opportunities; and
  9. monthly stipends for two academic years ($312.50/month, 10 months/academic year) when funding is available.

Do I Qualify for CSE? [top]

All CCC students majoring in biological, physical and computer science, mathematics, engineering and technology at Contra Costa College are invited to participate in the CSE program and take advantage of the benefits listed above (# 1-8).

However, to receive monthly stipends (benefit #9), students must:

  1. be eligible for fee waivers (determined through the Financial Aid application process, contact its office at CCC),
  2. enroll at CCC fulltime and plan to obtain a bachelor degree in science, mathematics, engineering or a certification in technology within three years;
  3. agree to take 12 units or more per semester according to the Educational Plan laid out by the advice of CCC counselor,
  4. commit 9 hours per week in a combination of academic activities (3 hours mentor meeting, academic workshops when available, 2 hour tutoring and studying), and
  5. maintain academic satisfactory status.

What is a CSE Probation Status? [top]

Students will receive a probation status if and when they finish their semester with:

  1. less than twelve units
  2. no science or math classes (i.e. withdraw from science/math classes)
  3. less than satisfactory grades in their science, engineering or math classes.

Students who receive probationary status in two semesters will lose their eligibility to receive stipends.

Where is CSE located? [top]

CSE office is located in the Physical Science building room 109 at Contra Costa College.
See the campus map and contact information