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First Year Experience in managing NSF S-STEM Grant at K-State at Salina

Abstract

The ELITE (Enhancing Lives through Technology and Engineering) program is a targeted scholarship program to increase the number of traditionally underrepresented but academically talented students in Kansas earning associate and bachelor's degrees in engineering technology. The program received an S-STEM grant from National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2006. This paper provides an overview of first year grant management experience in establishing and implementing major project activities. Further, the paper discusses how these activities broadened and enhanced the educational, professional, and personal skills of students.

Introduction

Kansas State University’s Engineering Technology (ET) programs are receiving far more employer requests for graduating students than students available to fill the need. This is not merely a local trend. The National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council (2005) confirms that domestic supply of qualified workers is not keeping up with the skill demands in fields that require strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. To address the shortage, in 1999, the NSF approved a new program, Computer, Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS) program, which has been changed into Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) to expand the disciplinary eligibility.

In 2006, the ET department applied for S- STEM (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant and has been named the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the NSF for its ELITE Program. The ELITE scholarships grant program started fall 2007 and runs through 2011. This grant allows the Engineering Technology Department to award 15-25 scholarships annually (up to $5,000 per scholarship) for the next four academic years for students majoring in construction engineering technology, computer systems technology, electronics and computer engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology. The ELITE scholarship grant will facilitate recruitment, retention, graduation, and placement of a diverse group of academically talented but financially needy students in engineering technology fields in the high technology industries in Kansas.

Since fall 2007, an average of 26 scholarships were awarded in the amount of $1800/semester. Administering the grant in its first year has been rewarding and challenging and has included developing an applicant screening process, monitoring academic progress, and engaging applicants in activities. This paper will discuss the grant management experience and its impact in recruiting, retaining and graduating students in ET programs.

ELITE Program Goals and Activities on Which the Current Project Builds

The ELITE scholarship program builds upon prevailing departmental recruitment, retention, and job placement philosophies and strategies. The following narrative outlines action items of the ELITE scholarship proposal to satisfy each of the four goals.

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Dandu, R. (2009, June), First Year Experience In Managing Nsf S Stem Grants At Kansas State, Salina Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--5227