Engaging two-year college students in geoscience: Summer Pre-REU internships and professional development to prepare students for participation in research

The Geo-Launchpad Program is a pre-Research Experience for Undergraduates (pre-REU) providing summer internship and professional development two-year college (2YC) students from Colorado. program goal was to build students’ interest capacity engage in geoscience-focused STEM career pathways. pre-REU helped develop skills necessary conduct scientific research. Students worked on project that supported research under the direction of science mentor. also provided multi-level mentoring, information about pathways geosciences, development. Multi-level mentoring included engagement with 2YC faculty, researchers professionals, other programs. Career were illuminated through informal weekly discussions guest speakers. Evaluation data 2015-2018 indicated succeeded building pursue careers. Annual modifications informed by evaluation data. Data collected using modified version Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment instrument findings aligned Framework 21st Century Learning. experience valuable both preparation perspective developing soft Overall, component demonstrated be highly intern experience. In particular, showed exposure wide array geoscience options Geoscience Circles one most impactful elements internship.