The project funds scholarships for 32 S-STEM Scholars in the Engineering and Computer Science programs. The primary project objective is to focus on recruitment and retention of female and minority engineering students so that upon graduation the scholars are placed in technical jobs or graduate school. The recruiting strategy involves personal interviews with local students and telephone interviews for out-of-state students. A Center for Women in Engineering assists in identifying qualified female candidates. The recruiting plan builds on the existing retention strategies and activities of the Emerging Ethnic Engineers (E3) Program. S-STEM Scholars participate in all activities associated with the E3 program and the Center for Women in Engineering. These activities include Bridge Programs, a structured program that teaches cooperative learning techniques, supplemental classes in calculus and physics to provide a solid foundation, industrial internships, and interacting with a Faculty Advocate Group. An external evaluator is assessing the ideas of the project for practicality, appropriateness, and probable impact.
