The University of South Florida's "YES - WE CARE|" program, started in 1983, increases suitably prepared and motivated minority high school graduates for studies of science and engineering. The University currently operates four centers, the last started in January 1991. In this 30 week Saturday morning academic enrichment program, 6th through 12th grade minority students receive mathematics, science, computers, and engineering projects instruction from certified teachers and "role model" volunteer minority engineers. The program is a community effort involving the University, county school boards, industry, and the minority community. In early 1990 the program was selected to be one of Florida's "Programs of Excellence" ("a program ... that could be promoted...statewide.") "YES - WE CARE|" was conceived to operate de-centralized with minimal administrative hierarchy. In October 1990 the enrollment was 137 students. To realize the full growth potential of the program (higher retention rate and expansion to new communities) is requiring one-time efforts to strengthen instructional materials, develop proper diagnostic tests, provide additional teacher training, document the program's operation, and improve public relations and parental and community involvement. The NSF award is allowing for the implementation of these improvements.
