Scholarship Program in Computer Science and Mathematics

Ithaca College, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

During the first year, the project team plans to award scholarships to twelve first year students who are enrolled in a mathematics or a computer science major. The scholarships are renewed each year for up to a total of four years. During the second year of the project, an additional six scholarships are awarded to sophomore majors students to support and encourage them to change their majors to math or computer science. These scholarships are renewed for a total of three years. The ` awards are renewed as long as students make satisfactory academic progress and remain within the major. The primary goal of this scholarship program is to increase the number of and the retention of majors in computer science, computer information systems and mathematics. Because our curricula provide a solid theoretical and practical foundation for careers in these fields, increasing the number of majors will have the effect of increasing the number of skilled and knowledgeable workers qualified for many high-tech jobs. A secondary, but equally important, goal is to increase the number of women and minority majors. This is especially important in computing where women and minorities are traditionally under represented. To meet these goals, the project team is enhancing existing student support systems and extend existing research and project opportunities to provide training and job experiences. Ithaca College has extensive recruiting programs through the admissions office and the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP). The latter program specifically targets minority recruiting. Both of these programs provide additional support for new initiatives such as this scholarship program. Faculty members are traveling to selected high schools to inform faculty and staff about these scholarships. The project team is providing printed and on-line materials to prospective students, and is encouraging prospective students to communicate directly with mathematics and computer science faculty. The selection of students for the program is made by a team that is composed of two faculty from mathematics, two faculty from computer science and one academic advisor staff member from the student Adacemic Advising office . Students Academic qualifications data are provided by the admissions office, and financial need data are provided by the financial aid office. Combining the requested scholarships with college funds and other federal funds, we aim to meet 100% of financial need while minimizing loans. Support for matriculated students to remain in a mathematics or computer science major is provided through many venues. Upper level students serve as teaching and lab assistants in open labs during evening and weekend hours and in walk-in help rooms. Courses are available to provide academic prerequisites for students who are lacking some specific skills. Additional opportunities for faculty and upper-level student mentoring especially for women and minorities have been established. Real-world experiences are provided within courses and by providing the students with relevant work experiences, e.g., as assistants in courses and computer laboratories. The project team plans to establish a networking program between recent graduates and current undergraduates to provide regular communication channels to support mentoring. Processes are in place to aid and ensure that students effectively use the services provided by career planning function at Ithaca College.