A program to help science and math students who need extra instruction is expanding from seven to 12 courses and doubling the number of its instructors this semester.

The Supplemental Instruction program increased the number of student instructors who run group work sessions for their peers from 11 to 22.

According to Jose Barata, coordinator of STEM initiatives at AACC’s School of Science and Technology, the five new courses in the program include BIO 101: Fundamentals of Biology Lab, BIO 231: Human Biology 1, MAT 137: College Algebra, MAT 192: Calculus and Analytical Geometry 2 and PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology.

“It’s a really non-pressured, non-stress way to relax around other students who are struggling with the same course,” Barata said. “I think this program is outstanding.”

“I’m excited to meet all the new [student leaders] because it’s always a pleasure collaborating,” student leader Julianna Fernandez, a second-year nursing student, said.

Second-year nursing student Natasha Seeger, another student leader, added, “I think [the expansion] is amazing. I think we’re going to be able to help a lot of students in a lot of areas.”

“BIO 101 was a really hard class for me, and I really get a lot of enjoyment in helping others see that they can do it also, when it was so difficult for me, and I came out successful,” Seeger said.