This project is awarding scholarships to talented students to increase the quantity and diversity of students who complete undergraduate degrees in computer science or mathematics. Students are recruited from both local secondary schools and community colleges, with twelve scholarships offered annually. A number of project components that are designed to increase academic success contribute to the intellectual merit of this effort. These include: combining appropriate-level classes in mathematics to create cohort groups of computer science and mathematics students; providing student-student, faculty-student, and industry-student mentoring programs and workshops; and motivating students through opportunities for research projects and internships. A diverse management team is also in place including department faculty leaders in the two departments, the Director of Financial Services, and the Dean of the College housing the computer science and mathematics departments. Additional student support services units on campus are also involved. In terms of broader impacts the project is promoting increased participation of talented Hispanics in the fields of computer science and mathematics through its financial, academic, and practical support. This is leading to an increase in the talent base and diversity of newly graduated persons entering either the workforce or pursuing advanced degrees.
