The Opportunity

Harvey Mudd’s Core Curriculum, while foundational for developing STEM expertise and intellectual curiosity, can present significant challenges. Although current support systems such as Academic Excellence (AE) provide valuable resources, many students face academic pressures and social obstacles, limiting their ability to thrive. With a tailored support program that addresses both academic and social needs, the College can increase academic achievement and joy in the Core Curriculum, thus fostering a sense of community and belonging for all. 

The Big Idea

This initiative will provide structured resources from pre-frosh summer through the sophomore year, including skills preview sessions, a Summer Institute, customized one-on-one tutoring, and cohort-based mentoring with both faculty and student mentors. Collectively these programs will build a strong community that empowers students to thrive in the Core, achieve academic success, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.

The Plan

The initiative will provide a holistic support system throughout the Core Curriculum, combining skills development, cohort-based community activities and customized academic services.

1. Pre-Frosh Core Skills Preview and Summer Institute
   • Offer curated Core Skills resources to help students assess and strengthen foundational skills.
   • Provide a three-week Summer Institute for select students to build academic readiness and social connections.
2. Cohort-Based Support
   • Form small peer groups (HMC STEM Scholars) to participate in Core Skills Preview and take Core courses together.
   • Assign faculty and peer mentors to provide personalized guidance, check-ins and bonding activities to foster a supportive community.
3. Ongoing Academic Support
   • Implement one-on-one tutoring tailored to students with specific needs to complement group-based resources.

The Impact

Cohort-based programs, inspired by successful models like the Posse Program, have already demonstrated success in increasing college retention. By expanding on these strategies, this initiative can provide other institutions with a replicable blueprint for creating inclusive, supportive environments that empower students to succeed in STEM, contributing to a more diverse and resilient global STEM workforce. On a larger scale, this initiative can make STEM education more equitable and accessible to all students of diverse backgrounds, ultimately enhancing STEM innovation and research outcomes, which drive progress in scientific and technological fields.