The College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU) will undertake a comprehensive approach to attract more highly qualified minority engineering students through implementation of two well coordinated programs: the Minority Scholars Program and the Visiting Minority Scholars Program. The College will coordinate efforts of research professors, minority recruitment officers, mentors, industrial and research institutions, and other organizations in order to achieve the goal of generating, among outstanding minority students, long-term interest in and dedication to research. It is anticipated that this research involvement will significantly enhance opportunities for involved minority students to continue their education through advanced degree programs (M.S. and Ph.D.). The Minority Scholar Program will greatly enhance the current minority programs at ISU. In addition, the programs leverage the already strong commitment of ISU to minority education. Specifically, well established minority recruitment and retention programs will be fully utilized. However, the supported effort will focus on needs of truly outstanding minority students. These efforts include development of undergraduate research programs, strong partnerships with two national laboratories, and establishment of a Minority Scholar Program at ISU that focuses on the personal, social, and professional development of the Minority Scholars.
