Computer Science Scholarship Program

The University Of Louisiana At Monroe, Monroe LA

Investigators

Abstract

The overall goal of this project is to improve the recruitment and retention of low-income, academically capable students, especially women and African-Americans, in computer science. In addition to existing programs and support structure, new activities, based on research related to these issues, are helping to improve the campus climate for the students. Support activities include weekly visits of scholarship recipients with their advisors, peer study groups, tutoring, group projects, positive classroom climate and faculty training workshops. The training workshops foster faculty awareness of, and sensitivity to, the difficulties that women and African Americans face in computer science, mathematics and physics, while encouraging faculty to generate specific ideas for enhancing the learning environment. When the scholarship funding ends, students go on to intern and co-op positions with local businesses and industries.