The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) proposes an Institutional Minority Graduate Education Program to increase the productivity of its PhD Programs in Biology, Chemistry, Chemical- Physics, Marine Sciences and Civil Engineering in conferring PhDs to minorities. Building on the existing pipeline strategy that spans from K-1 2 to graduate research developed with NSF support, UPR- IMGEP will increase annual degrees conferred from 13 to 26 by the year 2003 and increase enrollment of minority students from the mainland to 30%. The main strategy is a continuum of support for transition into and completion of Ph.D. studies, beginning with recruitment strategies of undergraduate students in research, and support during their first year through a bridging seminar and peer mentors. To increase candidates for academic careers and future role models for minority students, a Teaching Assistantship Training Program will be created. In their second and third year, students will participate in the Increasing Scholarly Productivity Program to support the elaboration of dissertations, scientific publications and presentations, grantsmanship skills and time management skills. Two year fellowships will be provided to attract students into critical areas of shortage and into academic careers. The UPR Vice Presidency and Academic Deans for SMET will lead the strategic planning and institutionalization of the program. The UPR will cost share $1.25 million.
