The CECS Student Success Scholarship Program: Leveraging Curricular Innovation in Engineering and Computer Science Education

Wright State University, Dayton OH

Investigators

Abstract

This project is providing scholarships to academically talented and financially needy students across all disciplines of engineering and computer science at Wright State University, with a particular focus on the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students. By increasing the number of academically talented engineering and computer science graduates, the institution is directly contributing to the technology-based economy in the Dayton region and beyond. The technical aspects of the project feature the formation of student cohorts from both first-year and transfer students participating in Wright State's National Model for Engineering Mathematics Education and related interventions. Student learning communities specifically for S-STEM scholars support their success in EGR 101 Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applications. Separate S-STEM learning communities for computer science majors support their success in a newly redesigned SCALE-UP curriculum (based on a successful model adapted from physics education reform efforts). All S-STEM scholars receive student support and enrichment activities from first-year through graduation, including mandatory, individualized academic advising each term, peer mentoring and tutoring programs, undergraduate research, internship and co-op opportunities, undergraduate teaching and K-12 outreach opportunities, and other co-curricular interventions.