Posted on May 8, 2001 at 2:35 p.m.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarship (CSEMS) Program a $275,000 grant that will fund the program through August 2004.
The UAB CSEMS program, under the direction of Ernest M. Stokely, Ph.D., associate dean and professor of engineering, and Rosalia N. Scripa, Ph.D., associate provost for undergraduate programs and engineering professor, provides scholarships for low-income students pursuing a degree in one of the three fields. UAB’s CSEMS program received $219,998 last September to begin awarding scholarships through August 2002. The additional funds bring the total NSF award to $494,998.
Currently there are 33 students participating in the CSEMS program: 20 in engineering, five in mathematics and eight in computer science.
“The program takes advantage of the urban character of UAB by targeting low-income transfer students for recruitment into computer science, mathematics and engineering,” Stokely said. “The program is designed to significantly increase the graduation rate of low-income students pursuing degrees in these fields by offering a comprehensive program of mentoring, advising and financial support.”
CSEMS also provides students a seminar series that includes invited speakers from industry, mandatory advising and assignment of a faculty mentor to each scholar.
“The mentor and mandatory advising are designed to help students identify and correct any problems they may be having,” Stokely said. “Additionally, every student is reviewed after each term to make sure they are academically on track. This is a great way to support students in their academic endeavors.”
The scholarships provide $2,500 per student, per academic year for up to two years. As many as 40 students can participate in the program each year. To qualify for the scholarship, students must have at least a junior standing, a grade point average of 2.6 or above and meet all Pell Grant qualifications set forth by the U.S. Department of Education.
The NSF CSEMS program was made possible by the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998. According to NSF, the act, passed by Congress, “reflects the national need to increase substantially the number of American high technology workers and to develop high-quality professionals in these fields.”