A Two-week Virtual Research Experience Program for Community College Students in the Geosciences

ABSTRACT

The Covid-19 pandemic and abrupt campus closure affected Research Experiences for Under-graduates (REUs) across the country. The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) REU, based at the University of Colorado Boulder, engages community college students from across Colorado in research projects around earth and environmental topics. The RECCS program responded to this challenge by creating and implementing a novel two-week, virtual program. RECCS-Lite maintained key elements of the full REU, including an authentic research project, mentoring, a supportive cohort, and professional development, through a highly scaffolded and intentional design. Evaluative data were positive, suggesting the format offers new avenues for engaging undergraduates in research and developing STEM identity. © 2020