PTS3 STEM Program Funding Cut Will Hurt STEM Students

(Photo Credit: Jamie Camino)

By David Kolade

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students will lose major opportunities to gain research experience on campus when the ​Pathways to Student STEM Success’ (PTS3) program funding comes to an end in Sept. 2021.

“As the PTS3 program comes to an end, our students who remain at the college post the program’s last day may lack in services,” said Rafael Gonzalez, PTS3 program campus director and mathematics adjunct lecturer at Lehman. “For instance, although Lehman has a career and advising center, our students benefited in having their own advisor with an intrusive model.” ​

“PTS3 students also benefited from access to electronic devices, tutoring for STEM courses and math interventions during summer and winter sessions, and received priority registration every semester while members of the program,” Gonzalez said.

Launched at Lehman five years ago, the PTS3 program is funded by a Title 3 grant from the United States Department of Education. Ms. Anne Rothstein, Lehman grant writer, proposed the grant to the U.S. Department of Education, which approved the program’s funding with a 5-year grant. Rothstein also included the Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College in the proposal.

The program serves as an undergraduate resource for those who fail to obtain internships within their desired field, working in collaboration with Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students, as advertised by the official website. It also helps undergraduates who fail to obtain an external research experience to obtain it.

Lehman students, faculty and staff expressed regret for the program’s upcoming end.

“It would affect Lehman’s STEM students,” said PTS3 program director, Christopher Milton. “The PTS3 program is an additional opportunity for students to receive internships and research opportunities without the college having to worry about funding for the student, even though it is optional for the college.”

Hayford Ansah presenting his research at summer 2018 REU presentations. (Photo Credit: Jamie Camino)

“The end of the funds will affect students and teacher assistants financially as they will no longer receive payments from the program, which was a huge benefit,” said Hayford Ansah, biochemistry junior and PTS3 program member. “Most students are able to obtain research experience through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) which consists of various programs for students studying science, engineering or mathematics, which are organized.”

Halima Suleiman, psychology junior and PTS3 member, noted that the end of the program will limit school supplies’ budget. “I haven't spent money on pens and notebooks this year; thanks to the PTS3 funds, I can spend my money on other important items,” she said.

These funds of the program also helped settle the bills for low-income families and independent college students.

“Personally, besides the obvious it pays my bills. I have been able to provide students with opportunities that were not available to me as early as 2016 to 2017 when I was a senior at Lehman,” Gonzalez said.

Suleiman also told the Meridian that the stipends she was given encouraged her to participate in summer internships and research labs. “This program has provided me with a great network of opportunities, advisors and friendships that I would not have easily attained,” she said.