This program provides 33 scholarships per year to academically talented, financially disadvantaged upper division students, including women and students from underrepresented minorities. The program is associated with well-established student support infrastructure and student-centered programs. A community-of-mentors model is used to help students achieve degree completion in computer, science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The project is administered through the SUMS Institute (Strengthening Understanding of Mathematics and Science) that is working to expand and enhance the continuum of services available to students of diverse gender, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds in order to further this university's commitment to provide a high quality education to all students. The program includes a network with local industry to offer ample internship and training experiences, employment opportunities, and to encourage the scholarship students to complete community service projects. A comprehensive and realistic evaluation plan is gathering evidence about the outcomes from these initiatives.
