This project is designed to encourage low-income, academically talented students to major in computer science and mathematics and to assist them in being successful in the completion of their academic program. Through innovative community building activities, the scholarship program is having a significant impact on the entire cohort of students enrolled in Computer Science and Mathematics programs at NJCU. This cohort of students are predominately female and disadvantaged minorities. New Jersey City University is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Institution, with a Hispanic enrollment of 30% and a total minority enrollment of 62%. The Program consists of four components: (1)recruitment of talented, low-income students into Computer Science, Pre-Engineering and Mathematics majors; (2) targeted academic support initiatives, in addition to existing student support services; (3) structured scholarship community activities; and, (4) internships and cooperative education work experiences. The overall goals of the Project are the increase in enrollment, retention and graduation rates of high-ability, low-income students in Computer Science, Pre-Engineering and Mathematics baccalaureate degree programs. These goals and objectives are being accomplished through existing programs, services and resources, as well as through the addition of new academic support initiatives, and scholarship community activities. This initiative represents a congruence between NJCU's mission and the goals and purposes of the National Science Foundation's Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarship Program. The Project enables the creation of a sustainable system for academics, student services and career planning supports for our diverse student population, thereby increasing the technological capacity of our nation's youth, and strengtheing and diversifying of our nation's workforce.
