Nebraska Engineering gains NSF funding to augment scholarships

Nearly $600,000 in grant funds from the National Science Foundation's Undergraduate Education Division will create 89 additional scholarships for underrepresented students during the next four years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering.

Stephanie Adams, associate dean of undergraduate education at the college, said the funding would establish a Students United in Classes, Community, Engineering, Service and Study Abroad (SUCCESS) program.

The SUCCESS Scholars Program will offer competitive scholarships and academic/career-building support activities--including opportunities to study abroad and conduct undergraduate research--to academically talented, economically disadvantaged students from underrepresented populations, rural communities, and Nebraska's six community colleges who pursue an engineering degree at UNL, Adams said.

With prior grants to promote computer science, engineering and mathematics participation, especially among students from minority and low income families, she noted Nebraska Engineering developed several initiatives to recruit and retain students through innovative learning opportunities.

"These efforts have proved worthwhile quantitatively and qualitatively," Adams said, "with direct positive impact for 66 students accessing computer science, engineering and mathematics scholarships, as well as an enhanced approach to student success throughout our college."

Adams listed Nebraska Engineering's gains so far, including community-building through a new students' camp, residence hall learning community, freshman and sophomore seminars, peer mentoring, mid-semester checkpoints and study abroad programs. New advances will include the development of faculty mentoring, a SUCCESS study center, and emphasis on service opportunities with college and campus activities.

SUCCESS scholarships will go to 11 freshmen, 30 continuing students, 12 transfer students, 16 students pursuing study abroad, and 20 students seeking research fellowships. Nine Nebraska Engineering departments will participate in the SUCCESS Scholars Program. For more information, visit the Nebraska Engineering Web site, www.engineeering.unl.edu.