This project is awarding scholarships to academically talented and financially needy students in the university's accelerated BS/Graduate engineering program. The students are completing an interdisciplinary educational and research program with an emphasis in engineering analysis, modeling, simulation, design, and control in one of three areas, namely, energy systems, biomedical systems, or aerospace systems. The S-STEM scholarship allows students to complete a non-thesis graduate program or to conduct research in an area of personal interest, rather than in an area of available funding. Women and students from underrepresented groups are being especially targeted for support. The students are participating in mentoring activities with faculty as part of their graduate program. Support structures previously in place at the university aimed only at undergraduates are now including a graduate component. Alumni and industry leaders in the region are also serving as role models to the students in the program, providing seminars and employment opportunities.
