Twenty academically talented, financially needy students are being awarded annual scholarships of $5500 for up to four years. Also participating in the scholarship program are graduates of three regional collaborating two-year colleges who are seeking bachelors degrees. Scholarships are contributing to increased numbers of women and members of underrepresented groups graduating in mathematics, computer science or engineering technology. The project is building on a previous successful CSEMS project for students majoring in the same disciplines. The attrition rates in calculus and two computer science courses that have been gatekeeper courses in the past are being lowered appreciably by monitoring of student performance and providing one-on-one tutoring. Other features of the project being made available to the scholars include a job placement program for seniors, a wide array of both academic and non-academic student support services, cooperative projects with local industry, and internships.
