Peer Mentoring and Scholarships as Retention Tools in Computer Science and Mathematics

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg PA

Investigators

Abstract

This program focuses on the recruitment of underrepresented populations to mathematics and computer science, and the retention of majors through the critical first year of study. Approximately one third of the scholarships are committed to recruitment of community college graduates and the remaining scholarships are committed to recruiting freshman. In both cases special attention is given to underrepresented populations. Retention is addressed using a combination of peer mentoring, tutoring, and mathematics oriented socialization. Members of the mathematics honor society serve as peer mentors. These exemplary students are role models for the freshman and junior transfers. Each of these individuals forms the core of a study group that includes one junior transfer and two freshmen scholarship recipients. Development of proper study habits is an essential element of the mentoring process.