This project incorporates a one and one-half day Graduate School Application and Process Workshop into the National Conference of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). This project is tied to the goals of the Society, one of which is to increase the number of Chicano, Latino and Native American students pursuing advanced degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering fields. This new dimension to the National SACNAS Conference will directly impact the entrance of Chicano, Latino and Native American students into graduate programs in science, mathematics, and engineering fields. The Goal of the Program: To increase the number of Chicano, Latino and Native American students gaining entrance to graduate programs. Faculty and graduate student advisors will assist undergraduate students in developing a well written statement of purpose leading to a complete graduate school application. The hope is that every senior student who attends this workshop to leaving having completed both a graduate school application and a funding agency application. The Rationale for Pursuing this New Direction: A significant number of students who attend SACNAS conferences and others who could be attracted to these conferences are not aggressive in pursuing graduate opportunities. Some simply never apply to graduate schools while others who may apply, but are denied admission, choose to give up on seeking admission to a graduate program. Program Format: The workshop will contain workshops, panel discussions, scientific symposia, small group discussions and faculty advising sessions. Funding agency representatives and graduate program recruiters will be on hand to discuss opportunities with the students and will be available to provide information on their respective institution's programs. All of the workshop's programs, discussions, and social sessions are deigned to encourage a national support network of people interested in en couraging Chicano, Latino and Native American students to have a greater participation in science, mathematics, and engineering fields. This workshop will bring together a group of highly talented undergraduates and offer them the personal attention and advice necessary to complete an excellent graduate school application.
