Improved Recruitment and Retention Through Academic and Financial Support

该项目每年为30-35名工程技术专业的学生提供奖学金支持，这些学生可以参加“2+2”课程，获得副学士学位，也可以参加传统的四年制学士学位课程。该项目的智力价值在于其对工程技术的关注，而在受资助机构周围的地区，工程技术人员严重短缺。该项目的其他值得称道的方面是全面的学生支持活动，包括夏季桥梁计划，以培养每年学者之间的社区意识；随后的第一年学者研讨会；在数学入门课程中为学生提供关键支持（辅导，使用ALEKS系统进行在线帮助，以及“真实世界中的数学”实验室）；以及高水平同学和教师的积极指导。该项目的更广泛影响体现在其对区域经济发展的积极影响，特别是在“高科技”地区。对该项目的强有力的行政认可也对教师作为本科生研究项目的导师和赞助者参与工作产生了积极影响。最后，该机构正在利用奖学金来继续其在学生毕业后就业方面的良好记录。

This project is providing annual scholarship support for 30-35 engineering technology students enrolled either in a "2+2" program for Associates/Bachelors degree recipients or a traditional four-year baccalaureate degree program. The intellectual merit of the project lies in its focus on engineering technology, for which there is a critical shortage of workers in the region surrounding the grantee institution. Additional meritorious aspects of the project are in the comprehensive student support activities, including a summer bridge program to develop a sense of community among each year's scholars; a follow-on first-year seminar for scholars; critical support for students in introductory mathematics courses (tutoring, use of the ALEKS system for on-line help, and a "Math through the Real World" lab); and active mentoring by upper-level student peers and faculty. The broader impacts of the project are felt through its positive influence on regional economic development, especially in a "high tech" area. Strong administrative endorsement of the project is also having a positive effect on faculty involvement in the effort as mentors and sponsors of undergraduate research projects. Finally, the institution is leveraging the scholarships to continue its strong record of placing students in employment upon graduation.