Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS)

Summer research experience for community college students

$15,000

Supports a student’s stipend and housing as they participate in an authentic research experience at CU Boulder.

Two people smiling at the camera, crouching down in grass

Program Description

The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) is a summer program that offers authentic research opportunities for students from community colleges. Over nine weeks, participants conduct independent projects with science mentors, receive training in research and communication, and present their findings at a local symposium. This experience builds confidence, skills, and networks that help students transition to four-year STEM programs and beyond.

RECCS has impacted my life in various ways including social interactions, academic work, research, presenting, and so much more. I was able to develop personal relationships with professionals in the CU community, as well as NOAA. I now have a network of great friends and mentors I can depend on and reach out to if need be. Research and graduate school are now tangible and do not seem unobtainable since completing the RECCS program

Crystal (former RECCS participant)

It was so lovely to meet my fellow RECCS students, who have similar interests and approaches to climate and environmental issues. I feel like this is the type of community I don't have access to at my community college. [My mentor] is immensely helpful, structured in his thought-process, but also friendly and easy-going. I often get very nervous around new people, but I felt comfortable working with him, and I also felt like he had my best interests at heart.

Recent RECCS participant

Major Impacts (2014-2024)

11 cohorts comprised of 125 students & 146 mentors
Supported highly diverse students: 43% first-generation,16% rural, 45% BIPOC

RECCS Impact Story

View the RECCS Impact Story

RECCS - In the Students' Words

Watch interviews with recent RECCS participants, who discuss their experience with the program.

Celebrating 10 Years of RECCS

Learn more about RECCS from its Program Manager and from scientists who have mentored RECCS students.

Areas where RECCS students showed the greatest growth, according to their mentors

Learn More

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Teacher Strategies Reference_published on website.pdf

Teacher Strategies for Data Sensemaking