The University of Florida College of Engineering (COE) is supporting a Minority Engineering Doctorate Initiative (MEDI). Funds will be used to assist in supporting eight PhD candidates who will have the option of pursuing studies in the engineering specialty of their choice. Each student will receive an annual stipend of $16,000 plus a research expense allowance of $5000. The COE will cover the costs associated with tuition and fees, additions to stipends, and other expense items not covered by the grant. A unique recruiting and retention program will: attract qualified candidates, provide remedial opportunities, and guarantee a high level of success in program completion. The MEDI program would supplement and operate in concert with current minority recruiting programs. A major difference is that it provides for a well-supported sharp focus on minority engineering doctoral recruitment and retention.