Scholarships for Attracting and Retaining High Ability Computer Science and Engineering Students

Tuskegee University, Tuskegee Institute AL

Investigators

Abstract

This project attracts high ability minority students in engineering and computer science and subsequently retains them at the university through financial aid packages and supplemental scholarships. To accomplish this objective, a two-tier approach is used. First, they attract high ability high school students with scholarships. Second, they offer scholarships to beginning sophomores who have demonstrated good academic performance in their freshman year. Finally, they retain high ability students with a Six Sigma approach to engineering and computer science education (improvement of the process quality by constant monitoring and adjustment). Other retention activities include comprehensive faculty mentoring, tutorial programs, advising and counseling, involvement in research, and summer internships.