Bridging the Gap Between Community College and University: CTIS Summer Camp 

Community colleges are an excellent place to begin a post-high school education — they’re often more affordable and closer to home. Yet these colleges may lack the depth and scope of research and hands-on learning opportunities that are available at a university, which can make the transition to a university feel more intimidating and unfamiliar. To address this, the ASPIRE team at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has helped support a program with collaboration between the local college and UTEP. 

“This opportunity provides two-year college students the chance to learn, network, and work at a four-year University,” said Joanne Moyer, a civil engineering assistant professor at UTEP. “ASPIRE has participated in the program by utilizing one day of the program to inform the TRIP attendees of ASPIRE’s research through discussion and hands-on activities.” 

This program, the Transportation Research Immersive Program (TRIP) is a Workforce Development Grant sponsored by Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC). Over the course of a five day program, El Paso Community College (EPCC) and UTEP students work together to provide research and training opportunities to both EPCC and early college high school students. 

“Students learn various aspects of transportation engineering including planning, materials, construction, and the future of transportation,” Moyer said. 

This summer has marked the third consecutive TRIP program, and ASPIRE researchers have played a pivotal role since the beginning, due to the Center’s significant electrified transportation infrastructure research. 

“ASPIRE’s participation in TRIP provides EPCC and early college high school students with an understanding of the electrified transportation infrastructure research that is occurring at UTEP and across the nation,” Moyer explained. “Most of the students know about electric vehicles, but the infrastructure and research necessary to bring the electrified infrastructure to fruition is new to them. The students always learn from the ASPIRE participation and activities.” 

With their groundbreaking research and pilots shaping the future of transportation, ASPIRE brings a unique, forward-thinking approach to the program. 

“ASPIRE’s contribution has been significant in obtaining students’ interest in transportation engineering,” she said. “The students are always intrigued with ASPIRE’s research as they feel it is the future of transportation.” 

In addition to the five-day summer program, the grant also offers longer research opportunities to five EPCC students. These students conduct research at the Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) at UTEP during the fall, spring, and summer, working 10 hours per week during the semesters and 19 hours per week during the summer, and receive a stipend for each semester as they research real-world challenges and solutions. 

“Some of the EPCC students are conducting research in ASPIRE-funded projects with Dr. Cesar Tirado and Dr. Rajib Mallick at UTEP. This provides them an opportunity to learn about research and testing procedures for asphalt or soils and network at UTEP,” Moyer said. “This has proven very effective in retaining EPCC students to continue at UTEP, and many have continued working in the lab when they transfer to UTEP.” 

These opportunities to participate in real-world research at UTEP and ASPIRE have been eye-opening to these students and led to a smoother transition from the community college to the university. Moving forward, Moyer looks forward to offering additional opportunities for these students to be involved with the hands-on research at ASPIRE. 

“In the future, I would like to expand on ASPIRE’s participation and include opportunities where EPCC and early college high school students can be involved in ASPIRE through the ASPIRE Student Association (ASA) or other means,” she added. 

For the latest news, publications, and research highlights from ASPIRE, visit aspire.usu.edu. 

The University of Texas at El Paso was one of the original five ASPIRE campuses.

About ASPIRE: 

ASPIRE, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center headquartered at Utah State University, leads groundbreaking research and development at the transportation-grid edge. With over 400 global collaborators, ASPIRE focuses on creating seamless, affordable electrified transportation systems, accessible for all vehicle classes, along with the public infrastructure needed to support them. By reducing costs, improving air quality, and fostering economic growth through job creation and workforce training, ASPIRE’s work spans engineering, social science, policy, and business. Partnering with top universities, industry leaders, and community groups, ASPIRE is driving the future of advanced transportation-grid systems. Learn more at aspire.usu.edu. 

Contacts: 

Kat Webb
Content Director
Marketing & Communications 
ASPIRE ERC  

Writer: 

Kayleigh Kearsley 
Marketing & Communications Intern 
ASPIRE ERC