The University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM) and the University of Houston Downtown (UHD) propose to establish a model for significantly increasing the number of undergraduate female, especially Hispanic, students that pursue a professorship career in computing. The objectives include increasing the number of female students that continue on to graduate studies towards a Ph.D. in computing, increasing the number of those students who become professors, and providing a model program that can be used by other institutions and disciplines. The project employs four strategies. Firstly, student recruitment identifies students with key characteristics to succeed in the program. Secondly, research mentoring helps the students develop research skills and experience that can motivate them to pursue graduate studies. Thirdly, career path mentoring guides the students in getting prepared for graduate studies and an academic career. Fourthly, empowerment activities help students overcome gender bias barriers that might prevent them from pursuing an academic career. This project will inform the BPC CAHSI Alliance.
