The CLASS Project: Community of Learners Achieving Science Success

该项目的重点是农村地区的女学生。维泰博正积极从其农村服务区招募有学术能力、经济困难的妇女。该项目正在解决许多农村学生面临的挑战，高中准备不足以及缺乏对潜在科学职业的了解。CLASS学者的选择标准包括GPA不低于3.3，ACT成绩不低于24分，并且有证明的经济需求至少相当于维泰博就读成本的50%。两组共10人，最初获得5500美元的奖学金，四年后可续期至21500美元。该项目导致在维特博大学学习化学、生物化学和生物技术的女学生人数增加。奖学金生为了克服准备不足，正在接受学业支援。提供相关的服务学习经验，帮助奖学金学生培养道德素质和领导能力。准备充分的理科生在该项目中毕业，并在他们的领域找到工作或继续接受教育。CLASS学生在学习者社区生活和学习，促进学习动机和社会支持。其他干预措施包括积极的数学和学习技能补习以及教师顾问和其他人的积极指导。服务学习机会包括暑期研究经历和职业服务援助，为学生就业或研究生课程做准备。智力优势：这个项目增加了我们与有天赋但准备不足的学生打交道的知识。计划周密，组织有序。更广泛的影响：该项目正在导致妇女更多地参与化学科学，而她们在该领域的代表性不足。它通过增加受过良好教育和技术熟练的科学家的数量来满足国家的需要，从而使社会受益。

This project focuses on women students from rural settings. Viterbo is actively recruiting academically able, financially needy women from its rural service area. The program is addressing the challenges many rural students face, deficits in high school preparation and lack of knowledge about potential science careers. Selection criteria for CLASS Scholars include a GPA of at least 3.3, a minimum ACT score of 24, and documented financial need equal to at least 50% of Viterbo's cost of attendance. Two cohorts of 10 are receiving initial $5,500 scholarships, renewable to $21,500 over four years. The project is leading to increased enrollment of women students to study chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology at Viterbo University. Scholarship students are receiving academic support in order to overcome the deficits in preparation. Relevant service learning experiences being offered are helping scholarship students develop qualities of ethics and leadership. Well-prepared science students are graduating within the program and obtaining employment or further education in their field. CLASS Scholars live and study in a Community of Learners, promoting academic motivation and social support. Other interventions include aggressive math and study skills remediation and active mentoring by faculty advisors and others. Service learning opportunities involving summer research experiences and Career Services assistance are preparing the students for employment or graduate programs.Intellectual Merit: The proposed project is adding to our knowledge concerning working with talented but underprepared students. It is thoroughly planned and well organized.Broader Impacts: The project is leading to increased participation of women in the chemical sciences, where they are underrepresented. It is benefiting society by increasing the number of well educated and skilled scientists to meet the national need.