Recruitment and Retention of Engineering Majors through Financial, Academic and Student Support

Bevill State Community College, Jasper AL

Investigators

Abstract

This S-STEM scholars program awards scholarships to students earning associate degrees at a two-year community college with the intention of transferring to baccalaureate engineering degree programs at four-year institutions. This project builds on the success of prior NSF funded scholarship programs. The scholarship program targets academically talented students from rural areas whose high schools might not have the ability to offer the full complement of math and science courses. The program offers a special remediation program to address any math and science deficiencies. The scholars participate in the Math, Chemistry and Physics Preparation Program to provide the necessary skills to succeed in engineering degree programs. This program also becomes the basis for a learning community. Scholars also have the opportunity to participate in summer research and educational programs. Student achievement is monitored at both the community college and the four-year institution where the students choose to complete their baccalaureate degree. Approximately 70 scholarships are awarded during the life of this project.