The Chicago Math Scholars Program

Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this program is to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students entering the technological workforce through the achievement of two specific objectives: 1) increase the number of economically disadvantaged students graduating with mathematics degrees from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) and 2) increase the number of Northeastern Illinois University mathematics graduates going on to Ph.D. programs in mathematics. These objectives will be accomplished by creating a program at NEIU that supports, motivates and monitors student progress through their undergraduate or masters degree and by providing a bridge program to the doctoral degree in mathematics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Twelve students, ten undergraduate and two graduate students, have been selected as Chicago Math Scholars. Undergraduate scholars were recruited from undergraduate mathematics majors, from promising incoming high school students and from targeted community college transfer students. Scholars had GPA of 3.0 and were economically disadvantaged as determined by their eligibility for Pell grant awards. Graduate Chicago Math Scholars were selected from among those students admitted to the masters degree programs in mathematics at NEIU. Students were economically disadvantaged by virtue of their eligibility for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GANN) and express an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in mathematics. Key strategies for achieving the program objectives include: the provision of tuition waivers and monetary stipends; mentoring of students by both undergraduate and graduate faculty; academic and personal support; career guidance and enrichment; technology training; professional development through activities such as membership in professional associations and conference attendance; job placement assistance; interaction with Ph.D. program faculty and students; GRE preparation courses; graduate seminars and orientation programs; and research participation. Northeastern Illinois University is an urban, comprehensive university, serving the northwest side of metropolitan Chicago. Seventy nine percent of its enrollment is comprised of first generation college students. Sixty four percent are female, 75.6% work full or part-time, and 60% receive some form of financial aid. NEIU is the only four year, federally designated, Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in the Midwest. By virtue of its demographics, the students most likely to benefit from this program are under-represented minorities. The National Science Foundation's report "Science and Engineering Indicators 2000l" notes that only 2.2% of all graduate students in mathematics and computer science are Hispanic. In 1997, only 34 Ph.D. degrees were awarded to Hispanics in math or computer science. By facilitating student retention, graduation and transfer to Ph.D. programs in mathematics, this program has the potential to significantly impact the number of under-represented minorities attaining advanced degrees in mathematics and who are prepared to enter the U. S. technological workforce at the highest levels.