Reflections on experiences of a successful STEM scholarship program for underrepresented groups

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology report in 2010 stated that there is a large interest in the achievement gap among underrepresented groups, especially women, in STEM fields. To alleviate these shortcomings, the National Science Foundation has been leading the efforts to increase the enrollment of minorities in these fields and reduce these gaps. Other federal agencies have also joined the efforts, since the National Academy of Science in 2007 warned that the eroding scientific base of the nation puts the United States at a disadvantage with regards to other nations. This paper deals with reflections on how to successfully implement a university STEM scholarship program to attain the simultaneous goals of increasing STEM enrollment and increasing diversity in the STEM fields. In particular, this paper highlights the necessity of strong and broad-based (peers, faculty, and industrial) mentors. Initial results are encouraging with regards to STEM scholarship student retention.