STEM Academy

What is the STEM Academy?

The Orange Coast College STEM Academy serves as an academic support program that connects STEM-declared and/or STEM-interested students to the resources and tools they need to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses offered at the college.

Students interested in joining the STEM Academy are asked to meet the following:

Eligibility Criteria

Attend a pre-semester event and mandatory orientation (All applicants will receive a formal invite via email)
Be enrolled in at least 1 STEM course at Orange Coast College
Be enrolled in at least 6 units at OCC
Declare or plan to declare a STEM major at OCC within the semester that you apply to the Program
Apply to the Program before the application deadline (deadline date varies by semester - check back here as the start of the semester nears)

Once a student becomes active in the Program, they are asked to uphold the following:

Program Expectations

Attend at least 1 STEM workshop or event per semester
Meet with a STEM Counselor at least once a semester
Maintain a 2.0 GPA each semester and receive support to increase GPA
Remain up to date on all matters relating to the STEM Academy program, by remaining active on Canvas and reading email and text notifications
Sign Program Contract (Available at the STEM Academy Orientation)
Notify the STEM Academy staff if contact information changes (i.e. phone number, email, etc.) by emailing stemacademy@occ.cccd.edu

Here's How and Why to Join the STEM Academy

Build skills to become a successful STEM student
Access to simple scheduling and consistent support from STEM Counselors
Opportunities to participate in research with a professor
Opportunities to connect with Peer Mentors
Optional group tutoring is available
You'll be a part of a support network that can guide you through your journey at OCC
Access to information about how to be pursue a teaching career in STEM
+ MUCH MORE!