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An Interdisciplinary Approach to Success for Underrepresented Students in STEM

Journal of College Science Teaching— March/April 2016

To recruit underrepresented students with demonstrated financial need into STEM disciplines, Lock Haven University established the interdisciplinary Nano Scholars Program, offering National Science Foundation–funded scholarships, academic support, and social support. Small cohort sizes, a student-led science learning community (the Nano Club), and mentored undergraduate research fostered academic and cocurricular student engagement. Nano Scholars outperformed matched control peers on overall GPA, average number of credits per semester, graduation in 4 years, and graduate school placement rates. A comprehensive program fostering engagement through individualized attention, a robust learning community, meaningful research opportunities, and peer and alumni support is essential.
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