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 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 a Success Coordinator and a Success Coach. Students that need help with their coursework can get assistance from the Supplemental Instruction Coach. 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.

JessicaFalcon 
STEM Grant Operations Manager
9795326478
falconj@wcjc.edu

Jessica Falcon is the STEM Success Coordinator 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.

Mara Slinger 
STEM Success Coach (Wharton)
9795326571
slingerm@wcjc.edu

Mara Slinger is the STEM Success Coach at the Wharton Campus. Mara started her education with WCJC. She attained an AA degree in Sociology and then continued her education at University of Houston- Clear Lake. She obtained a B.S. in Psychology and plans to continue her education and pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology and become LPC certified. Mara looks forward to helping students become successful and earn a degree.

Chase Smolik 
STEM Supplemental Instruction Coach 
9795326496
smolikc@wcjc.edu

Chase Smolik is the Supplemental Instruction Coach at the Wharton Campus. Chase began his college career at WCJC. After completing his core he transferred to Texas A&M where he earned a B.S. in Entomology. Through Texas A&M’s Agriculture and Natural Resource Policy Internship he interned for Congressman Pete Olson during the summer of 2012 in Washington D.C. Chase was recognized by the College of Agriculture and Life Science (COALS) for outstanding academic and professional achievement. Chase is continuing his education with a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences and plans to be an instructor of Biology after completion.

Veronica Garcia 
STEM Success Coach (FBTC)
9795326495
garciav@wcjc.edu

Veronica Garcia is the Success Coach at the FBTC. 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 at the Fort Bend Technical Center as a bilingual Success Coach.

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 will be equipped with 20 computers and 12 laptops for students to use. Models, calculators, charts, books and other resources will also be available for students to use at the center to complete their work.

Faculty will be 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.