The Access to STEAM Pathways through Integrated Research and Engagement (ASPIRE) Program is a comprehensive program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of Hispanic and/or students with demonstrated financial need who enter William Paterson University and complete their STEM degrees. The ASPIRE Program includes a partnership between William Paterson University (WPU) and Passaic County Community College (PCCC) to increase the number of Hispanic students and/or students with demonstrated financial need attaining degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and to enhance the existing STEM-transfer and articulation agreements between both Institutions. ASPIRE MISSION STATEMENT The Access to STEM Pathways through Integrated Research and Engagement (ASPIRE) Program provides a comprehensive and transformative academic enrichment and research engagement experience for STEM students who require academic and financial support. Within the College of Science and Health (COSH), ASPIRE students will have access to programs designed to support academically talented STEM scholars who have the potential to excel in their respective career field. The program is committed to providing exceptional services and resources for students to succeed academically and excel in their communities and in the workforce. ASPIRE is committed to developing students holistically and providing opportunities for them to thrive educationally, personally, professionally and socially at William Paterson University and in a vastly changing and global world. The ASPIRE Program respects the skills, talents, ideas, and perspectives of its students and honors the diversity of their individual and collective voices and experiences We take pride in honoring our students who are future leaders and agents of change in the STEM field. ASPIRE Program Goals: Enroll five cohorts of students with demonstrated financial need and/or Hispanic students into the ASPIRE Program and provide holistic support services including financial assistance, summer research and learning opportunities, individual academic coaching, peer and faculty mentorship, and internship and research opportunities for work-based learning. Improve Freshmen year and Sophomore year retention rates and graduation rates for ASPIRE Program members who are first-time, full-time, first-year or transfer students. Conduct a research study that investigates the relationship between college retention for students with demonstrated financial need and/or Hispanic students and wrap-around, holistic student support services. ASPIRE will also aim to increase the enrollment of students with demonstrated financial need and/or Hispanic STEM students transferring from Passaic County Community College (PCCC).
