Evaluation and continuous improvement in a multidisciplinary S-STEM program focusing on professional skills, goals & mentoring

Four years of student feedback from participants in a sponsored scholarship program is evaluated to assess perceived benefit of program activities that go beyond awarding scholarships. The program is structured to help students develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, job readiness, and goal setting in a context that allows for formal and informal mentoring. Annual themes often related to current issues affecting society provide a setting to motivate these skills. Results show that students value skills and experiences outside of their major requirements. This work describes the program and its process for continuous improvement and provides insights into student willingness to participate in personal and professional activities on top of rigorous STEM major requirements.