Scholarship fund for excellence in Computer Science and Mathematics

该项目向在波多黎各-里约热内卢大学(UPR-RP)攻读计算机科学和数学的成绩优异的经济困难本科生和硕士学生提供总计120个奖学金。由于UPR-RP的98%的学生获得了某种形式的经济援助，56%的本科生获得了佩尔助学金，因此对这些奖学金的需求很大。奖学金金额从第一年的2500美元到最后一年的4800美元不等。该项目是一个模范项目，可以复制，以支持来自不同地区代表性不足群体的经济困难学生。学生将通过PIs和S-STEM学者的一系列演讲招募到该项目中。在S STEM学者的帮助下，PI将为初中生和高中生举办一场活动，突出CS/数学在社会上的影响。除了奖学金支持外，该项目还赞助活动1)提高学者对在工业领域深造和职业机会的认识，2)加强学者的学术和专业技能，3)建立社区意识，4)突出计算机科学和数学的社会和应用方面，5)通过辅导和指导支持学生学习。该项目的总体目标是改善招聘、保留和就业或研究生院的准备工作。该项目为波多黎各学生准备在两个高需求学科工作，这有助于满足当地和全国对计算机科学和数学专业人员不断扩大的需求。对该项目的评估将着眼于毕业率、完成学位的时间和学生毕业后的进步。这些数据将为应届毕业生、在校学生(非S-STEM学者)和S-STEM学者收集。该项目每年将对每一组学生的比率进行比较，以确定该计划是否有效。

This project provides a total of 120 scholarships to high-achieving financially disadvantaged undergraduate and masters students enrolled in computer science and mathematics at the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (UPR-RP). Since 98% of all students at UPR-RP receive some form of financial assistance, and 56% of undergraduates receive Pell grants, the need for these scholarships is great. Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 in the first year of study to $4,800 in the last year. The project is a model program which can be replicated to support financially disadvantaged students from underrepresented groups in different regions. Students will be recruited in the program through a series of presentations by the PIs and S-STEM Scholars. The PIs, with help from the S-STEM scholars, will host an event for middle and high school students that will highlight the impact of CS/Math in society. Graduate students will be recruited from within UPR-RP and at national meetings.In addition to scholarship support, the project sponsors activities 1) to increase the awareness of scholars about opportunities for further studies and careers in industry, 2) to strengthen academic and professional skills of scholars, 3) to build a sense of community, 4) to highlight the social and applied aspect of computer science and mathematics, and 5) to support student learning through tutoring and mentoring. The overall goals of the project are to improve recruitment, retention, and preparation for employment or graduate school. The project prepares Puerto Rican students to work in two high demand disciplines, which helps meet the expanding need for computer science and mathematics professionals both locally and nationally.The evaluation of this project will look at the retention to graduation rate, time to degree completion, and student progress after graduation. This data will be collected for recent graduates, current students (non- S-STEM Scholars), and S-STEM scholars. The rates will be compared for each group of students each year of the project to determine whether or not the program is effective.