The Paschal Scholars Program in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems

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This project addresses the national need to prepare more women for careers in mathematics, computer science, and computer information systems. It provides 28 Paschal Scholarships per year for four consecutive years to seven academically talented, financially needy students from each class level who are completing undergraduate degrees in these majors. Meredith has forged strong partnerships with faculty and professionals across multiple fields to aid in mentoring and placing students. The Paschal Scholars Program will recruit talented students from diverse backgrounds, retain students in these fields to degree completion, place students in mathematics and IT fields upon graduation, and build a mentor network during and after the award period. The Paschal Scholars Program will develop new features, including a speaker series on issues related to the underrepresentation of women in mathematics and computing and a mentor network, and will combine these with existing supportive structures to assist in retaining these students to degree completion.Intellectual Merit. The Paschal Scholars Program encourage academically-talented women to enter these demanding fields, enabling a greater proportion to complete their degrees and increasing their post-graduation opportunities. Faculty and student scholars will also disseminate research and components of the program through presentations at national conferences. Broader Impacts. Meredith faculty in mathematics and information sciences will continue their collaborations with colleagues at NC State University to study "pipeline issues" and extend the benefits and results of this research to students in the region and to researchers and practitioners around the country.