The Minority Research Centers of Excellence (MRCE) program was established in FY 1987 to provide substantial resources to upgrade the research capabilities of the strongest and most productive predominantly minority institutions. This planning grant project lays the foundation for a plan that will increase the institution's quality of research and research-related training. Specifically, support for this project will permit the establishment of an MRCE advisory committee of scientists and engineers, local leaders, and industrial representatives who will assist the institution in evaluating its current and future potential for performing meritorious research during the next five years. Alabama State University will develop strategies to strengthen its mathematical sciences research program. The institution will also implement summer institutes and other activities to involve college and high school teachers, and minority undergraduate and high school students in selected areas of improvement. This institution has the facilities and personnel to make an impact on improving research and related educational activities in the mathematical sciences. The Foundation has supported this project because the proposed work will increase the participation of minorities in mathematics at several levels in the educational pipeline.
