The Marquette University College of Engineering will establish a broad-based educational opportunity program to attract undergraduate minority students to engineering, to retain them in engineering programs through degree completion, and to prepare them for research careers. The Research Careers for Minority Scholars program will rely on the College's strong academic programs in Biomedical, Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical and Computer Engineering; its quality faculty; its state-of-the-art facilities; its partnership with industry; and its tradition in successfully training minority students. The College will select 16 outstanding minority scholars over the four-year grant period to participate in a program that combines academic-year course work, research project work, and 10-week summer enrichment programs. The enrichment activities are designed to establish a successful transition for freshmen students, to promote a long-term interest in engineering, and to immerse students in engineering research. As its key components, the program provides financial assistance; nurtures academic success and personal growth through mentorship, role model, and advising programs; offers unique opportunities for developing independent research skills through project work in academic and industrial settings; fosters a personal identification with the engineering profession; and offers the encouragement, preparation, and assistance necessary to enter programs of graduate study.
