The AZ HSI Consortium is pleased to announce the Culturally Responsive Pedagogy for STEM Faculty at the Maricopa Community Colleges as an inaugural AZ HSI G.A.T.E. Funding Opportunities Awardee. After careful review from colleagues across the state of AZ, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy for STEM Faculty at the Maricopa Community Colleges was shown to be an effective program in stimulating and supporting equity-focused change and research that enriches our understanding of effective and culturally responsive practices for broadening participation in STEM at HSIs.
Please read below to learn more about Culturally Responsive Pedagogy for STEM Faculty at the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Project Abstract:
This project proposes the implementation of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) training for STEM faculty across the ten Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). Recognizing the cultural disconnect between a diverse student body and a predominantly less diverse faculty, this initiative aims to enhance faculty engagement with diverse cultural perspectives, thereby improving student success and retention, particularly among Hispanic and underrepresented students. The project will include a two-day workshop focusing on the foundations of CRP, collaboration among discipline-specific teams to develop culturally responsive assignments, and assessment tools to measure the impact on student learning outcomes. A mixed-methods approach will be utilized to evaluate faculty development and student experiences through pre-and post-surveys and focus groups. By empowering faculty to incorporate culturally relevant practices into their curricula, the project seeks to foster a sense of belonging among students, increase academic engagement, and promote equity in STEM education. Ultimately, this pilot initiative aims to lay the groundwork for broader implementation of CRP practices across MCCCD, addressing the urgent need for inclusive educational environments that reflect and honor the cultural identities of all students.
- Dr. Jennifer Brown, Psychology, Paradise Valley Community College
- Dr. Jennifer Brown, a residential psychology faculty member at PVCC, is a Spanish-speaking Jewish American specializing in Social Psychology and Research Methods. She focuses on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and developing CRP training to enhance students' cultural identities. She has extensive experience working with HSIs and tailors her approach to meet their unique needs. Dr. Brown integrates diverse cultural perspectives into curricula through her research and teaching, preparing students to succeed in a multicultural world.
- Dr. Clarissa Davis Ragland, Business-Occupational Education, Estrella Mountain Community College
Dr. Clarissa Davis-Ragland is a residential business faculty member and Program Director at EMCC, serving as the Culturally Relevant Faculty Champion. A Black American of African and Indigenous descent, she leads culture and diversity training for faculty, fostering student belonging and success through culturally responsive curriculum practices. With experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion at Xerox and American Express, she contributes to the EMCC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Abilities Team (DEIAT). Dr. Davis-Ragland researches culturally relevant pedagogy and asset-based theory, enhancing student success throughout the college experience.
- Dr. Niccole Cerveny, Geography and Cultural Science, Mesa Community College
Dr. Niccole Villa Cerveny, a geoscience-geography faculty member at MCC, is a Hispanic, first-generation college graduate serving with the US National Committee for the International Union of Geosciences. For over a decade, she has promoted undergraduate research experiences locally and nationally. Dr. Cerveny has advised the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the MCC Red Mountain Multicultural Club, and she mentors students individually.