/Pathways to Success in STEM/Xplore New Student Program

Xplore New Student Program

Welcome!

This FREE student-led program takes place August 18 - 24, 2021, just before the start New Student Orientation (NSO). It is designed for students from historically under-represented groups in science, math, and health sciences. By participating in this program, students will gain tools to succeed in science and math courses at Lewis & Clark. Participants will meet with current students and faculty, become familiar with campus and Portland, learn about research and career opportunities, go on a field trip in the beautiful Oregon outdoors and much more!

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Tryon Creek Hike.
Collecting invertebrate samples.
Prof. Bierzychudek helps students identify samples collected in the field.
Professor Todd Watson introduces students to the neuroscience program at Lewis & Clark.
Students learned about how to prepare for a career in health science.
Professor Watson shows students how to collect EEG data.
Brains!
An off campus scavenger hunt led students to world famous Voodoo Donuts.
Downtown Pioneer Square
Downtown Portland
Students visited Oregon Health & Science University and heard about careers in medicine.
Students enjoy a picnic with a view of Portland.
An evening out ends with ice cream at Salt & Straw.
The week came to an end, but it is really just the beginning!
This FREE program takes place a few days before New Student Orientation (NSO) and is designed for students from historically under-represented groups in science, math, and health sciences.

Xplore Activities

What is the purpose of Xplore?

Entering college can be an uncertain time involving many academic and social transitions. Xplore aims to ease these transitions by providing an opportunity for students with similar interests to come together to build a social and academic community before classes begin. The Xplore program provides tools for navigating math and science classes and helps participants make friends, meet faculty, get advice and build skills for academic and personal success.

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“Being in the Xplore program, I feel one step ahead, and I’m not as nervous to start school.” -Xplore participant
“I really enjoyed the lunch with faculty because it showed me just how easy it is to communicate with them.” -Xplore participant
“I really appreciated the workshop about how to be successful during college. I really feel prepared now, and I don’t know what I would have done without this program. Thank you so much. This has definitely lessened my fears about college.” -Xplore participant
“The program taught me about virtually every opportunity and resource on campus. Every first-generation, L&C student should have this opportunity.” -Xplore participant
“This program really helped me see how many resources we have on campus. It is perfect to get to know the campus and meet new people before school starts. It was so informative, I think it would be beneficial for anyone to join this program.” -Xplore participant
“The ending talk with Prof. Julio de Paula gave me the best sense of what the first few weeks of the semester will be like. He took a lot of time to talk to us about what to do before school starts and during school, mentioning how it will be tough, but we can all manage it.” -Xplore participant
“It was so much fun, and now I feel really confident about starting classes. I know where everything is, and I already have an established group of friends.” -Xplore participant

By the end of the program, students should feel empowered and prepared to take on science and math classes as a college student. Plus, the usual excitement and uncertainty associated with arriving at a new place is much easier to manage after spending some time with a group of new students who may become your best friends!

No Prerequisites! All you need is an interest in STEM and a passion for learning. All skills/backgrounds are welcome. Come have fun exploring with us!

Xplore Leaders

We are reviewing applications for 2021 Xplore Leaders!

Meet the 2020 Xplore leaders.

Check out what 2019 Xplore Leader Cristian Cortes Cortes has to say about his experiences as an Xplore participant and then leader!

What will students do during the program?

Meet other students who share your interests
Learn about creating successful relationships with college faculty
Participate in lab and field activities and collaborative problem solving
Get advice about choosing classes and planning your 4 years at L&C
Play, swim, barbecue, explore Portland and travel to Oregon’s mountains, forest or coast

What will students get from the program?

A network of friends and science peers
A jump-start to a successful science/math/health science career
Knowledge of academic and student life resources
Familiarity with the Lewis & Clark campus, Portland & the Oregon outdoors
A chance to exercise problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Practice working with peers in a group setting