Georgia Perimeter College's Educate and Nurture Leadership in STEM (ENLISTEM) Scholars Program, funded by an NSF S-STEM grant, has found that an extra-curricular program combining opportunities for students to interact with STEM experts, and lead children in STEM activities helps collegiate STEM students find a sense of belongingness that encourages their persistence through the rigor of STEM coursework. ENLISTEM Scholars receive financial support, but we have found great benefit to ENLISTEM Scholars through field trips to businesses that employ STEM professionals and speakers that present novel opportunities and/or real-world advice. In addition, ENLISTEM Scholars find serving the community by inspiring young children to discover the wonders of math and science very rewarding. The purpose of this poster is to share the experience of the ENLISTEM Scholars Program so other schools can implement practices that excite students with little financial investment.
