The mission of Team STEM is to support students from groups typically underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields through mentorship, advising, and professional development. Team STEM will provide students with the support they need to successfully complete their chosen academic program and earn a baccalaureate degree in one of six Mercy College STEM majors: Biology, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, and Psychology. Two innovative programs, Tri-Point Advising and STEM Scholars, have been designed to accomplish this mission. Both of these programs are based on a high touch academic advising or mentoring system, focus on professional development, and provide students with opportunities for gaining valuable skills and hands-on research experience.

The Tri-Point Advising (TPA) Program expands on Mercy College’s Personalized Advisement ContracT (PACT). Through PACT, all incoming students are assigned a PACT advisor upon acceptance to Mercy College. Those who opt into Tri-Point Advising will also be assigned a faculty advisor and a peer advisor to provide students with additional support as they transition into and through college. Understanding the many challenges students face as they attempt to pursue a STEM degree, the members of the Tri-Point Advising team aim to help students develop a realistic view of learning and intelligence. Further, through advising, peer support, and programs tailored to the needs of students, participants in the Tri-Point Advising program will be provided with the tools they need to overcome these challenges and succeed both in college and through their future career.

The STEM Scholars Program operates through a partnership with Westchester Community College (WCC)—also a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI)—with which Mercy College has well-established articulation agreements and a long standing relationship. While attending WCC for two years, students in the STEM Scholars Program will be given opportunities to conduct research with Mercy College faculty and attend STEM-related workshops and events. STEM Scholars students will also work with an academic support team, including a peer mentor in their field, who will provide additional support while attending WCC through transfer to Mercy College in their third year.

Team STEM is funded by a five-year grant under the USED HSI STEM and Articulation Program.