Page 47 - New York Statewide Smart Scholars Overview and Profiles

The STEM focused Smart Scholars program fosters college-going culture among participants in
the following ways:

 All college level classes take place on the campus of Medgar Evers College. All classes
are hybrid in that smart scholars have the opportunity to interact with both students from
all classifications (fellow freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors).

 Supplemental instruction (SI) is attached to all science courses that Smart Scholars are
enrolled in. The College utilizes the SI model developed at the University of Missouri
Kansas City. The SI model utilizes a “non-remedial” approach to instruction and
learning that focuses on the courses and content rather than on students. The model is
characterized by peer facilitated study sessions led by students who have successfully
completed the course (SI Leaders). SI Leaders attend all classes and then lead weekly
sessions with current students. SI instruction in essence will provide S3 students with
more time to engage in learning and deepen their skills and knowledge.

 Individual tutoring through the College’s Academic Support Services Center is available
for students as needed.

 The College implemented an early alert system, GradesFirst. This tool provides Project
personnel and faculty with early, ongoing and robust feedback about students’
performance.

 As MEC students, S3 students participate in an e-Orientation where they become
acclimated to the following electronic systems and tools used by students to enhance
their learning and increase their management of their experience at the College:
Blackboard- Learning management system for the delivery of online courses.

 This year we piloted a peer mentoring program for 47 of our graduating seniors. These
students were paired with Medgar Evers College upperclassman to encourage
continued pursuit of the Associates degree and matriculation into Medgar Evers College
for degree completion.

 This year we launched a Presidential Lecture Series that has been well attended by
Smart Scholars. Each month the President hosts an informal talk with noted industry
thinkers and academics. Most recently we hosted Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Director of
the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Medgar Evers College Smart Scholar
students waiting to ask Dr. Tyson questions

Please see the link below to see a youtube clip with highlights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U64wW88kDc