Tracking Women and Minorities as They Attain Degrees in Computing and Related Fields

Two Maryland colleges (one a four-year liberal arts college for women, and one a public community college) have worked to increase the number of graduates, especially women and other under-represented groups, in their computer science, computer information systems, engineering, and mathematics programs over a four-year period. In August 2004, they were each awarded funding by the National Science Foundation to create a Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarship Program, offering need-based scholarships for full-time students with a minimum grade point average, and U.S. citizenship or status as permanent resident alien or refugee alien. Faculty mentoring, a seminar luncheon series, and career information were features used to increase degree attainment. Results of these efforts are described.