Scholarships for Minority Students in Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

DUE-0094841 This project provides scholarships to qualified minority students enrolled in computer science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The program leverages the activities of an existing Minority Engineering Program in support of the scholars. Scholars are mentored by both upper class students and alumni, participate in regular group meetings, and are encouraged to become involved in student activities within the college. Students at risk of failing physics are provided with an economic incentive to enroll in a special preparatory course and in the follow- on optional tutorial sections which feature state-of-the-art educational technologies that have been integrated with innovative pedagogy. Preliminary results show that the approach can significantly reduce the failure rate in the standard calculus-based physics course. By combining special classroom experiences with supportive services, the program seeks to retain talented, financially disadvantaged minority students pursuing in bachelor's degrees in computer science, engineering and mathematics.