Roosevelt University is a non-sectarian, private liberal arts university in Chicago, Illinois. Founded with a social justice mission to offer higher educational opportunities to under-served populations, Roosevelt University is primarily a four-year comprehensive university whose mission focuses on academic excellence and equal opportunity serving a diverse, promising student body.
The need for a large, talented workforce in STEM-related fields has never been greater. In fact, our nation’s economic competitiveness depends on a strong STEM workforce. Universities are vital to producing these necessary STEM graduates. Nationally, occupations in STEM are expected to grow by 11% by 2030 compared with to 3.7% for all other occupations. In Illinois, the need is even greater as the STEM workforce needs are expected to outpace the nation by an additional 4% (12% for Illinois ). For STEM workers, the median annual wage is over twice the wages earned by non-STEM occupations and is only expected to increase. To expand this workforce, students need supports – both inside and outside – the classroom to develop into STEM leaders. As the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest, universities must provide authentic experiences and practices that reinforce student identities as scientists or engineers. RU HSI STEM embodies such recommendations through sustained efforts to engage students in STEM majors, career education, experiential education (e.g., research, internships), peer mentoring, tutoring, and other community building experiences. And while STEM jobs are growing, access to such jobs are not equal. Black and Hispanic workers remain underrepresented in STEM jobs when compared to their share of the U.S. workforce. And while women are represented in STEM careers, they tend to be clustered in health-related jobs of the STEM workforce. RU HSI STEM is focused on addressing issues of access and success in STEM for traditionally underserved student populations, including students who are low-income, students who are first-generation college (neither parent with a four-year degree), and students of color. RU HSI STEM’s efforts are dedicated to increase the presence of underrepresented students in the STEM pipeline.
Roosevelt's undergraduate STEM degree programs are among the most respected in the Midwest. Our STEM courses highlight the the links between social justice, civic engagement, science, discovery, innovation, and environmental conservation. Faculty members work closely with students to provide guidance in theory and practice. Across a variety of fields, students get hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratories outfitted with modern research equipment, preparing students for technical employment and professional study. Classes are small and taught by PhD-holding expert faculty teaching all lectures, discussions and laboratories. Our degree programs offer flexible face-to-face classes that are convenient for undergraduate students and working adults,. as well as internship and research opportunities either with faculty or off-campus. Come learn with us! Graduates of Roosevelt 's undergraduate STEM programs find direct employment in metropolitan Chicago and nationwide or continue with graduate studies at a variety of institutions. Roosevelt 's STEM programs provide students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for a wide range of careers and graduate opportunities in the emerging STEM fields.
The RU HSI STEM program has two goals. First, we aim to increase the number of Hispanic and other low-income students attaining degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Second, as a transfer friendly institution, we aim to smooth the transfer experience for students coming from two-year to four-year institutions in such fields. The RU HSI STEM program, putting students at the center of the learning experience, seeks to create learning environments that foster “fear-free” STEM education in a community of openness. As such, you can expect to be engaged in and out of the classroom, as part of a network of support, helping you feel welcome, safe, and supported in your educational journal journey. RU faculty are dedicated to your development of science identity, guiding your academic development and learning. As part of the program, you will be assigned a peer mentor and have access to social activities and enhanced tutoring throughout your time at RU. You can also expect to have opportunities for experiential learning experiences, such as dedicated career-prep courses, paid micro-internships, job shadowing, career testing and workshops, and research opportunities. If you are a student at community college, RU HSI STEM is here to support you, with early interaction, planning advising, and pathways to ease the transition to complete a four-year STEM degree.