This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (Award No. 2029167)
Overview: This project aims to implement and study the effect of a discipline-specific learning community with a multi-faceted vertical mentoring model on retention and graduation rates of chemistry and biochemistry majors with financial need and demonstrated academic talent at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). All students in the CB-TLC will benefit from the cohort model for coursework and peer, faculty, and professional mentoring, as well as specially designed academic and professional workshops. After their second year, CB-TLC students will be encouraged to participate in program interventions such as research, internships, attendance at professional conferences, and career/graduate school application workshops. Starting in the third year, CB-TLC members will be mentored by graduate student and industry professionals as they start to develop specific career goals.