NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS) Program

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

The Departments of Computer Science, and Mathematics and Statistics and the College of Engineering, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins the National Science Foundation's CSEM Scholarship Program to address: 1) the national shortage of engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists, and 2) the under-representation of women, minorities and persons with disabilities in those disciplines. The UMass plan will increase the number of baccalaureate degrees in CSEM fields by recruiting fifty students for program participation generally during their junior and senior years. Particular attention will be paid to the recruitment of women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Talented, low-income students will be recruited from the community college transfer population and from upper-class students who have a reasonable expectation of graduating within two years (40 total). The UMass plan also provides a pipeline for the future by funding ten economically disadvantaged freshmen through University resources. The goal of recruiting, retaining and graduating 50 students will be accomplished through a faculty- driven, comprehensive program based on current research and best practices combining 1) recruitment, 2) financial support, 3) a carefully designed required course, 4) a special seminar activity and 5) academic and personal support facilities. All CSEMS program activities will be professionally evaluated.