STEM Center

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a national, regional and local initiative emphasizing the need to increase global competitiveness in these areas. As a result, workplace opportunities are growing for students seeking occupations in the STEM fields.

 

Our Mission

We believe science, technology, engineering and mathematics naturally interact and depend on each other. Accordingly, we believe a STEM education is most authentic when these areas are understood as being connected and explored together. We recognize that a STEM career carries with it great power and responsibility. The STEM Center at Moraine Valley commits to:

  • Recruiting diverse students into STEM programs
  • Maintaining and creating high-quality STEM educational experiences, activities, programs and resources that are engaging, innovative and timely
  • Providing meaningful and equitable access to high-quality STEM experiences and education to all
  • Developing knowledgeable, innovative, ethical and thoughtful leaders in STEM
  • Assisting Moraine Valley students in attaining their educational and career-focused goals
  • STEM education in our communities

Learn more about Moraine Valley's STEM initiative by contacting stem@alltradesgaming.com.

STEM Programs and Careers at Moraine Valley:

The Engineering Pathways program offered at Moraine Valley is a smart and cost-effective way to guarantee transfer admission into the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This competitive program is designed for high school seniors who plan to enroll as first-time college students at Moraine Valley for the fall semester following graduation. Students who are female, low income, first generation, and/or from underrepresented ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Moraine Valley offers a wide variety of degrees, career programs and certificates to get your started in a career in healthcare. These include:

Go to alltradesgaming.com/healthcare to explore them all.

There are many STEM transfer degrees, career programs and certificates offered at Moraine Valley. They include:

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Recurring STEM Center Events

Upcoming Events

Any upcoming STEM Center events will display here

Greer Scholars Scholarship Program

The Greer Scholars Program at Moraine Valley aims to close the racial equity gap in STEM professions by financially and academically supporting students from racial and ethnic groups currently underrepresented in STEM and who demonstrate financial need.  

Financial Support 

Students selected as Greer Scholars will receive financial assistance of up to $3,000 per year to be used toward cost of attendance (tuition, books, transportation, and room and board). The financial assistance would be renewable for up to two consecutive years at Moraine Valley if students (1) remain at the college (2) are in good academic standing as a full-time student (3) continue to pursue a STEM-related major and (4) participate in designated academic and professional development programming. 

Academic Support

Our Greer Scholars are part of a cohort of STEM peers, who together engage in diverse social and academic opportunities and have access to cross-disciplinary STEM experiences and perspectives that support them in obtaining a comprehensive STEM education and skill set. Scholars are also individually supported through regular one-on-one advising and mentoring check-in meetings.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be considered for this program, students must meet and follow the criteria below:  

  • Identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American 
  • Be an incoming new student for the Fall term that they are applying for. 
  • Register full-time (12 credit hours or more) each semester with an intent to pursue a degree/certificate in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) major. 
  • Have a high school GPA of 2.5 or above or HSE certificate. Official transcript(s)/certificate will be required prior to being awarded the scholarship. 
  • Remain in good academic standing at the College with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. 
  • Maintain continuous contact with their assigned Student Success Specialist to help navigate any obstacles. 
  • Participate in designated Greer Scholar activities and STEM-related programming.

Annual review of applications begins in the spring semester and continues through the summer until all spots are full.

The Fall 2024 Greer Scholars Application is: CLOSED.

If you have any questions about this scholarship program, contact Elizabeth Barrera at (708) 974-5618 or barrerae6@alltradesgaming.com.

The Greer Scholars Program received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Click here to learn more.

Other opportunities to get involved in STEM at Moraine Valley:

The Skyway STEM Competition is a poster contest for Illinois college students designed to encourage participation in STEM-related disciplines. Students pose a question and use inquiry-based methods from their respective fields to investigate their topic. Students have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member to identify a research topic of interest and submit it for consideration. The deadline for topic submission is prior to the end of the fall semester. Up to ten student topics are selected and students are supported in their research and poster creation through the spring semester. The top posters compete at the regional competition. Students interested in participating should contact Peter Placas at placasp@alltradesgaming.com.

View the submissions for the 2021 poster competition here.

There are various student clubs available to Moraine Valley students interested in learning about and engaging in STEM. Student clubs are a great way to explore areas of STEM you love and those that you may not yet be familiar with, all while getting to know your peers and having fun. Some of our STEM-related clubs include: STEM Club, Robotics Club, Math Club, Psychology Club, Student Nursing Organization and the Forensics Organization. View our STEM Events calendar to learn when the clubs meet. To learn more about all the student clubs and organizations offered visit our Student Life page.

To join Moraine's student STEM Club, contact faculty advisor, Paula DeAnda-Shah via email.

Moraine Valley supports women considering careers in technology through its Women in Technology Mentoring Program. The program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

The mentoring group allows students entering programs in technology to connect with experienced female students and professionals. These mentors can provide guidance, answer questions and share information about career opportunities. The unique relationship between students and professionals makes the transition from college into the work world smoother and less intimidating.

If you are a technology student looking for a mentor or you are a STEM professional interested in serving as a mentor, contact Angela Spyropoulos via email or phone at (708) 974-5602 ext. 2184.

Moraine Valley Explorers classes offer engaging hands-on courses whether your child is looking to explore their creative side or refresh their academic skillset. Led by our team of dedicated teaching faculty Moraine Valley will help children and teens discover, imagine and create.

The Moraine Valley Foundation awards scholarships each year to students. By completing a single scholarship application, students are automatically considered for more than 200 scholarships.

There are a variety of scholarships and different criteria for scholarships, including some scholarships specifically for students working toward STEM degrees and certificates. Scholarship amounts range from $250 to $5,000.

Questions?