Building the Future: Improving Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented and Financially Disadvantaged Science and Math Students

该项目将在五年内为经济困难和代表性不足的学生提供大约28个奖学金。被选中的生物、化学、计算机科学、地球科学、数学或物理专业的学生，如果有经济需要，每年将获得高达5000美元的奖学金支持。该项目正在促进STEM学生人数的增加，提高STEM学科学生的保留率，目标是让90%或更高比例的STEM毕业生就业、进入专业或研究生院。管理团队包括来自六个STEM学科的教师，以及在招生、经济援助、信息技术和学术学习服务方面的支持人员的协助。STEM学者的支持结构包括教师指导、辅导、同伴指导、生活学习社区和一系列研讨会，这些研讨会旨在培养学生的学术技能，探索职业选择，并为学生毕业后的就业做好准备。合作社和本科研究为学生提供了额外的顶点机会。评估包括年度留存数据分析、使用学生焦点小组和离职调查。正在分析招聘和保留方法，以确定可适用于米勒斯维尔大学和其他机构所有STEM学生的可持续战略。有关成功方案要素的信息正在通过STEM学者网站以及在区域和国家会议和出版物上的介绍传播。

This project is providing approximately 28 scholarships over five years for financially disadvantaged and underrepresented students. Selected students majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics or physics with identified financial need are receiving up to $5,000 of scholarship support annually. The program is promoting an increase in the number of underrepresented STEM students, improved retention of students in the STEM disciplines, and is targeting 90% or better placement of STEM graduates in jobs and professional or graduate schools. The Management Team includes faculty from six STEM disciplines plus assistance from support staff in admissions, financial aid, information technology, and academic learning services.Support structures for the STEM Scholars include faculty mentoring, tutoring, peer mentoring, living learning communities, and a workshop series that develops academic skills, explores career options, and prepares students for placement after graduation. Co-ops and undergraduate research offer additional capstone opportunities for the students. Assessment includes annual analysis of retention data and use of student focus groups and exit surveys. Recruitment and retention approaches are being analyzed to identify sustainable strategies that can be applied for all STEM students at Millersville University and other institutions. Information on successful program elements is being disseminated via STEM Scholars website and via presentations at regional and national meetings and publications.