The goal of the program is to establish a model science program for undergraduate elementary preservice teachers designed to meet the needs of minority students, especially the Hispanic and Black populations. The project has four major components: one the recruitment and retention of minority students who are interested in becoming specialists in the teaching of science to young children; two the revision of thirteen science and education courses in the elementary school teacher preparation program and general science major; three the development of field placements in elementary school science classrooms that have substantial minority enrollments; and four the dissemination of information on such a model science program for future elementary school teachers. In addition to serving the 270 currently enrolled preservice teachers, this program will target fifteen newly admitted minority students per year, who will have been given full scholarships by the institution. In order to improve the retention rate of these students, the project will also develop a number of support programs such as the Summer Vestibule Program, special tutoring opportunities, mentorships, and multicultural sensitization seminars.
