Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement Initiative for Student Excellence (RAISE)

Southern University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

The scholarship program is structured to support 32 minority and/or female student participants. Scholars are selected from students who have or will receive associate degrees in science and technology from appropriate programs and who express intent to major in one of the CSEMS disciplines. Students are recruited primarily, but not exclusively, from the local/state community college(s) participating in articulation agreement(s) with Southern University. Scholars are selected based on financial need and academic achievement. Students are co-advised by academic mentors. They participate in structured mentoring programs and various student development seminars/workshops, register with the SU Career Services Office, and participate in Career Services-offered career workshops. The scholarship program helps improve retention rates for capable students citing financial difficulties as reasons not to complete bachelor's degrees in CSEMS fields. Retention will also improve due to better preparedness of students having received needed remedial instruction before they come to the four-year college.