Location

J. M. Hodges Learning Center, Library

Hours

Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Science Technology Engineering & Math

The STEM Success Center housed at the WCJC Wharton Campus location is a relaxed and informal environment equipped with all of the technology and resources students need to be successful. The STEM staff works as a family of advisors, guides, helpers, and friends to each student. The STEM staff strives to expand the horizons of students academically, socially, and culturally. Students that need academic advising will have access to our STEM Success Team. Students that need help with their coursework can get assistance from the Supplemental Instruction Leaders. As a team, the STEM staff will ensure academic success.

Staff

Marybelle Perez
STEM Project Director 
9795326534
perezm@wcjc.edu

Marybelle Perez is the Project Director for the STEM Grant. Marybelle holds a M.S. in Educational Management from University of Houston – Clear Lake and a B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from University of Houston – Main Campus. She has worked in the field of education in multiple capacities and has several years of grant management experience. 

Jessica Falcon
STEM Grant Operations Manager
9795326478
falconj@wcjc.edu

Jessica Falcon is the STEM Operations Manager at the Wharton campus. She has been a full-time employee at WCJC since 2006. Jessica received her AA degree in psychology from WCJC. She then continued her education at Liberty University and received her B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies and her M.A. in Human Services. Jessica is excited about being part of the STEM Team and is passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals. 

Veronica Garcia
STEM Success Coach 
9795326495
garciav@wcjc.edu

Veronica Garcia is the Success Coach. Veronica began her college career at WCJC and then transferred to Lamar University where she earned her B.S. in Community Health. At Lamar University, Veronica did internships with the Beaumont Health Department under the Bio-Terrorism field and 911 EMS. Veronica joined WCJC as a full-time employee in 2005. She looks forward to helping students as a bilingual Success Coach. 

Shayna Barker
STEM Specialist
9795326477
barkers@wcjc.edu

Shayna Barker is the STEM Specialist. Shayna has held various positions as a WCJC employee. She received her A.A.S. Degree from Wharton County Junior College and is excited to be a part of the STEM Team. Shayna also teaches part-time as a Medical Office Specialist Instructor for the Continuing Education Department. 

Part-time Supplemental Instruction Leaders 

• Harley Braun - College Algebra and A&P I
• Kirsten Machicek - A&P I
• Eryn White - Chemistry 
• Brittany Wisch - General Biology 

These staff members will help students by providing advising and academic support to improve their success and assist them in the transition from community college to four-year institutions.

Resources

The center is equipped with 20 computers and 12 laptops for students to use. Models (General Biology, A&P and Geology), TI-84 graphing calculators, charts, books and other resources are also available for students to use at the center to complete their work.

Faculty is encouraged to use the center to meet with students and have students work collaboratively in learning communities.

About the Grant

The Title V Hispanic Serving Institutions STEM Success Project is a five year grant from the Department of Education to increase learning and success in STEM fields of study, especially among Hispanic and other low-income students.

The STEM Success Project focuses on one activity: student learning and success in STEM fields of study, with three integrated components: 1) planning, development, and establishment of a comprehensive STEM Success Center integrating STEM academic and student support services; 2) revising and upgrading courses and programs, and focusing faculty development on STEM-related issues; and 3) increasing STEM articulation agreements among WCJC and four-year universities.