9454754 McBay Most students from low-income public housing do not have access to quality schools, certified mathematics and science teachers, or realistic opportunities to enter and succeed in mathematics, science and engineering fields. Advanced computer technologies represent the best hope of leveling the educational playing field for these students. The use of various forms of telecommunications and of computers at the local level can help bring information, counseling, and the best educational and training resources into these highly disadvantaged communities. Statement of Objectives - This project will formulate a plan for using technology to (1) enhance the ability of seven existing Community Service Centers (CSC) on the campuses of predominantly minority institutions to address the mathematics and science education needs of students and families residing in neighboring low-income public housing; and (2) create an electronic mentoring network that will provide these students with easy access to mentors who will include MSE professionals from the respective communities and states as well as across the country. The Centers, located in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New York (2), and Virginia, are prototypes for a planned network of CSCs on the campuses of at least 25 predominantly minority institutions near low-income public housing. Methods to be Employed - Under the leadership of existing local steering committees for each of the seven CSCs, the knowledge of, attitude towards, and interest in the electronic delivery of educational services, including electronic mentoring, by residents and participating campus faculty and students will be formally assessed. Different instruments will be developed to assist in this assessment as well as to determine the technological resources and capabilities of the participating colleges, universities, and communities that can be utilized for the short- and long- term purposes of this project. This process will prov ide important information on existing electronic capabilities as well as on the degree of awareness and acceptance by higher education institutions and residential communities of the potential of technology to deliver quality mathematics and science education, particularly to communities that do not now, and will not in the near future, have such access. A Project Steering Committee that includes representatives from each of the local steering committees, with the assistance of a telecommunications consultant and the Project Staff, will develop a plan to achieve the stated objectives above. Participating communities and other interested individuals and groups will be kept informed throughout the planning year through a quarterly newsletter, an electronic bulletin board, conferences, and QEM affiliates. Significance of the Proposed Activity to the Advancement of Knowledge or Education - Developing a plan for the proposed telecommunications network is consistent with the national goal of universal access to the "information superhighway," the mathematics and science goal of Goals 2000, and NSF's respective goal of supporting work that assists in the solution of societal problems and of broadening the Nation's education and human resource base. When implemented, the network will open a wide new world of communications in mathematics and science education to communities that have historically been underserved. These technological advancements will enable college-bound and non-college-bound students from low-income families to be successful in a work place transformed by science and technology. The electronic media and electronic mentoring network will help to increase the number of minority students along the educational pipeline who are well-prepared to enter and succeed in MSE fields.
