Introduction
Pathway for Inspiring, Enriching and Recruiting (PIER) is an initiative through the College of Science and Engineering at Angelo State University to provide underrepresented secondary and college students direct exposure to STEM fields.
This initiative is critical for improving recruitment and retention of students in West Texas. During 2019-20, Halliburton is funding the program which has allowed the college to provide activities and virtual resources in geosciences, physics and math for teachers and students in West Texas.
Goals
The PIER program has three goals:
- To INSPIRE secondary school students to pursue studies and careers in geoscience, math and physics through activities and mentorships with ASU undergraduates and faculty.
- To ENRICH secondary school teachers by immersion in geoscience and physics activities using PIER developed teaching materials and virtual resources offered in Spanish and English.
- To RECRUIT students to ASU to pursue STEM-related studies and careers.