Growing Mathematicians and Computer Scientists in the Golden Triangle

Lamar University, Beaumont TX

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary Lamar University Computer Science-Mathematics Scholarship Program (CSEMS) serves 24 financially disadvantaged university students to assist them with their financial and academic needs over their junior and senior years. A combination of factors including a disproportionately large number of first-generation college students coming from low-income households exacerbates the problems of retention and graduation rates. Fully 62% of Lamar's first-time, full-time entering freshmen are first-generation college students, and 81.3% of the student body at Lamar University is eligible for financial aid. In an effort to address the problem of low graduation rates among low-income student populations in computer science and mathematics, Lamar's CSEMS Scholarship program expects to increased rates of retention, graduation, and entry into graduate/professional programs by providing essential services to ameliorate academic, economic, and social barriers to the completion of a college education. In addition, Lamar has developed a management system and an evaluation process that includes assessment of the project's progress in meeting its goals and objectives, and to serve as a basis for future planning.