Scholarship fund for excellence in Computer Science and Mathematics

该项目向波多黎各-里奥皮德拉斯大学计算机科学和数学专业成绩优异、经济困难的本科生和硕士生共提供120项奖学金。 由于98%的学生在UPR-RP接受某种形式的财政援助，56%的本科生获得佩尔赠款，对这些奖学金的需求是巨大的。奖学金金额从第一年的2,500美元到最后一年的4,800美元不等。该项目是一个示范方案，可以推广，以支持不同地区代表性不足群体中的经济困难学生。 学生将通过PI和S-STEM学者的一系列演讲在该计划中招募。 在S-STEM学者的帮助下，PI将为初中和高中学生举办一场活动，突出CS/数学在社会中的影响。 研究生将从UPR-RP内部和国家会议上招募。除了奖学金支持外，该项目还赞助活动：1）提高学者对进一步研究和行业职业机会的认识，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，以及5）通过辅导和指导来支持学生学习。 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。 该项目准备波多黎各学生在两个高需求的学科工作，这有助于满足本地和国家对计算机科学和数学专业人员不断增长的需求。该项目的评估将着眼于毕业率的保留，完成学位的时间，以及学生毕业后的进步。 这些数据将收集最近的毕业生，在校学生（非S-STEM学者）和S-STEM学者。 该比率将进行比较，为每一组学生每年的项目，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.