In this project academically talented, financially disadvantaged students are receiving scholarship support to pursue undergraduate degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology or Computer and Information Science. Student support activities such as career advising and participation in externships in a host industry contribute to early professional development for the scholars and increase job placement opportunities within the technology sector upon graduation. The intellectual merit of the project is grounded in an established, tested, and academically rigorous curriculum, longstanding partnerships with industry leaders, and continuous student/faculty collaborative engagement in the form of individualized faculty advising and continuous monitoring of academic progress. The project is broadening its impact by disseminating lessons learned about new strategies for student retention and success, such as the use of an electronic journal to track student progress, and continuous interaction with faculty advisors. The diversity of the regional population also guarantees a diverse applicant pool for the scholarships.
