Diversity Enhancement Initiatives

Recruitment Initiatives

The DEP's recruitment efforts are aimed at drawing the best and the brightest students from underrepresented groups to the College by increasing dissemination of information about EMS programs to students at younger ages. Five programs serve to anchor DEP's recruitment efforts:

DEP Representation at College Fairs

Most of the recruiting activities conducted by DEP take place at College and Career fairs throughout the United States. Included in this circuit are the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the National Hispanic Environmental and Sustainable Energy Conference (NHESEC). This is often the first opportunity that high schools students have to learn about the College's programs.

DEP in the Recruitment of Graduate Students

In collaboration with the Graduate School and EOPC, representatives from each college attend a variety of graduate fairs across the nation to recruit for the Graduate School as a whole.

DEP Visits to High Schools

DEP representatives' visit to high schools is another opportunity for students to learn about the College. These visits provide information to students, teachers and guidance counselors. School officials are likely to encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the College. I will visit appropriate magnet programs in the state.

High School Students' Visits to EMS

High school students' visits to EMS, sponsored by the DEP, provide the opportunity for students to gain first-hand exposure to the premier programs that are offered by the College. This also allows the prospective students to meet and interact with the distinguished faculty and students. I will work with the SMART and Lion Scouts programs. Also included in this program are the Kodak funded Business, Engineering, Science and Technology Summer Program (BEST), Hispanics for Academic Progress (HAP), and a host of bus tours from major cities in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland, sponsored by PSU Admissions.

Visits to Recruitment Centers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg

Visits will be made to the Admissions recruitment centers to begin to build relationships with high school science and math teachers in order to identify students with the potential to succeed in the technically focused fields of EMS. Contact will also be made with high school enrichment programs through the centers such as the Trio programs.

Junior High and High School Science Fairs

Initial research and contact has been made with the Pittsburgh Regional Science Fair and the Delaware Valley Science Fairs as a recruiting strategy. Query letters have been sent to all cooperating teachers. I plan to attend 2 of the spring fairs.

Nittany Science Camp for Girls

The Nittany Science Camp for Girls is two years old and is offered by Diversity Enhancement Programs of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) at Penn State. It is designed to increase interest in science, sharpen problem-solving skills and build self-esteem. It is open to girls entering the sixth and seventh grades. In addition to hands on experimentation and classroom instruction, one afternoon is devoted to visiting scientists. It is a day camp, which takes place at Stone Valley Recreation Area and consists of two five-day sessions this summer. Support for this program is through DEP, EMS, EOPC and corporate sponsorship. Additional grants are being sought as well for the future of the camp.

Business, Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST)
Summer Scholars Program

This is a Kodak-funded program aimed at attracting outstanding underrepresented students of color interested in studying science, engineering or business related majors in the Smeal College of Business, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, the College of Engineering and the Eberly College of Science. Students attend Penn State for four weeks in the summer, and are exposed to majors in the four sponsoring Colleges. They also take classes in computers, technical writing and communications, and advanced mathematics.

Retention Initiatives

Retention efforts are directed toward ensuring that under-represented students are successful in the College, as measured by graduation rates. These efforts are also manifested in our students' accomplishments. The following programs and incentives are in place to support newly entering and upper-division students:

Mentoring Programs

This program is part of the EMS Strategic Plan and will be implemented in the fall of 2000, pairs incoming first year students with upper-division or graduate student mentors. The DEP plans to offer training of mentors. A mentoring program specifically geared toward supporting women in science and engineering majors is now in its planning stages.

First-year in Science and Engineering Interest House (FISE)

The College, through DEP, contributes a percentage of the cost of running the FISE House, the most diverse on-campus housing experience. FISE is on-campus housing specifically designed to support and nurture first-year students in science and engineering. The house includes tutors, program assistants and activities. FISE is housed in Pennypacker Hall.

Career Presentations

EMS students attend several career-oriented presentations, workshops or panel discussions. These are supported with funds from corporate sponsors like BP Exploration and General Motors.

Fall Women's Reception

A yearly Fall reception geared toward welcoming new women students and introducing the EMS female faculty. Past speakers include the director of the WISE Institute, the Dean of EMS and others. Funded by corporate sponsors like BP Exploration.

Fall Picnic

EMS students and faculty of color attend a picnic in an outdoor setting to welcome incoming first-year students of color. Volleyball, basketball and other games with faculty and staff are part of the festivities. Funded by corporate sponsors like BP Exploration and GM.

Internship/Co-op Opportunities

The DEP currently coordinates and maintains a list of companies interested in providing internships and co-op opportunities to EMS students. The Director also serves as liaison to the Engineering Co-Op Office, where students can register for and obtain co-op jobs in their major. Students should also register with the PSU Career Services center. The Engineering & Science career fair takes place each year in September, in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Women in Science and Engineering Institute (WISE)

DEP is a partner with the WISE Institute, a support system for women pursuing science and engineering careers. There is also the WISE House, located on the 6th floor of Ritner Hall.

Academic Assistance

Students are encouraged by personal contact (email, snail mail, phone or in person) to utilize the services provided by the College; the Student Center, math tutor and writing tutor. First year students who are Bunton-Waller fellows or scholars also are required to take an additional seminar composed academic and personal survival skills.

Financial Support Initiatives

Financial support initiatives are aimed at obtaining contributions to support the recruitment, development and retention of students from underrepresented groups. We also provide scholarships and other forms of support to qualified students.

Funded Scholarships

General Motors Scholarship for Underrepresented Students in Materials Science and Engineering*
Covers full in-state tuition for underrepresented students interested in majoring in Materials Science and Engineering for four years. It includes a paid internship at a GM facility.

PPG Industries, Inc. Scholarship for Underrepresented Students in Materials Science and Engineering*
Covers four years of in-state tuition for an under-represented student interested in majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. It includes an internship at PPG.

BP Exploration Scholarship*
This scholarship is for $1500 per year for an outstanding underrepresented student interested in studying Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering or Geosciences.

Dean's First-year Scholarship*
First-year students entering the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences are automatically considered for a Dean's First-year Scholarship; no separate application is required. These awards range from $500 to $2500. Sophomore through senior year scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence. Students must submit an application each year.

*these are grade-point-average-driven.

Pennsylvania Opportunity Grant
Based on need. Offers $2,250 per semester.

Wilson Loan
The Wilson Loan is available to all full-time undergraduate and graduate Earth and Mineral Sciences students. The maximum loan amount per year is $2400; the maximum per semester is $1200. Apply in the Student Center.