Math & S.T.E.M. Empowerment Program
Led by Dr. Vanessa Hill
Offered by the Real Life Resource Center
The Math & S.T.E.M. Empowerment Program is a transformative learning experience designed to bridge educational gaps, build confidence, and create equitable pathways to success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.). The program is proudly led by Dr. Vanessa Hill, a distinguished mathematics professor and the inaugural recipient of the Foundation Innovation Fellowship at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).
Program Highlights:
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Targeted Math Support: Personalized instruction that meets students where they are, designed to move them from foundational skills to college-ready math within a single semester.
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S.T.E.M. Exploration: Hands-on learning and exposure to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math.
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Equity-Focused Curriculum: Designed with an anti-racism and inclusion framework to support historically marginalized students.
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Mentorship & Advising: Students will receive mentorship from Dr. Hill and professionals in the S.T.E.M. fields who reflect the diversity of the community.
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College & Career Readiness: Guidance on navigating placement tests, college admissions, and careers in S.T.E.M.
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Community Collaboration: Engagement with local schools, families, and educational partners to build a strong pipeline from high school to college-level S.T.E.M. success.
Dr. Vanessa Hill
Dr. Vanessa Hill is a professor and chair of the math department, who has taught at Springfield Technical Community College for the past 19 years. As a STEM educator her professional passions have always resided in serving students who are most at risk in navigating the system. In addition to teaching, she spent 10 years working with students of color in STEM at the University of Massachusetts with summer research students, postbaccalaureate and graduate students.
She received her bachelor’s in mathematics from Mount Holyoke College. A master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Connecticut and her PhD in Mathematical Education from the University of Massachusetts.
She went onto to teach at her current institution, Springfield Technical Community College, in addition to spending over 10 years working with students of color in STEM at the University of Massachusetts, running their Summer Research Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) as well as the NIH funded Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) and with PhD students throughout the sciences. Dr. Hill has also been very involved in DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) efforts both at her college and abroad. She has served as a coach and workshop facilitator, and keynote speaker.