Appalachian Scholars in Computer Science and Mathematics

University Of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville TN

Investigators

Abstract

This project, called the Appalachian Scholars in Computer Science and Mathematics (ASCSM) Program, awards scholarships worth $3125 per year to low-income, academically talented undergraduate students majoring in mathematics or computer science. Incoming freshmen that meet established academic and financial criteria are eligible for the awards. Recruitment is carried out through high school visits, web page publicity and the annual Tennessee Mathematics Contest, which draws up to 1000 Tennessee high school students to the campus each fall. The proposed program addresses two issues: 1) under-representation of students from low-income families at the university and 2) devastating attrition rates for students in lower level mathematics and computer science courses. The program builds upon existing student support programs, including the mathematics tutorial lab, counseling, and mentoring. However, ASCSM scholarship recipients receive additional academic support through departmental advising, peer and faculty mentors, and twice monthly meetings of scholars.