The University of Memphis Herff College of Engineering has beenawarded a $343,750 grant by the National Science Foundation as afour-year extension of a scholarship program aiding economicallydisadvantaged undergraduate students in engineering, computerscience, engineering technology or mathematics.
"Money can't hurt," said David Russonmanno, interim chairman ofelectrical and computer engineering. "Reducing a financial burdendoes have an effect on a students' performance. Students don't haveto work as much and can concentrate on having school as theirnumber one priority."
The NSF initially awarded The U of M $172,000 to start theprogram in the fall of 2002. The additional grant will fundscholarships from this fall through spring 2008. The program willassist at least 25 students per semester who are within two yearsof graduation with scholarships of up to $3,125 each.
"The Tennessee Valley Authority, FedEx Corp., Wright MedicalTechnology, Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division and SolaeCompany will participate in the program by providing summerinternships for some of the recipients," Russonmanno said. "Weexpect that every scholarship recipient will have the opportunityto secure a paid summer internship so they will not need to seekout other employment that might impede their career goals. Ourintention is to get more math, science and engineering studentsinto the workforce as quickly as possible."
Russonmanno said the program addresses the national shortage ofengineers, mathematicians and computer scientists.
"I think if you look at our students region wise, you find moreof a financial need," Russonmanno said. "Many family salaries arebelow the national average, and there is a large under-representedgroup of students, such as females and minorities, in these fields.These scholarships are designed to take care of this problem whilestill striving for broad based awards across the demographic."
Tyler Nance, a former U of M student, said scholarships likethese just might coax him back into school.
"It's hard to work and go to school full time," Nance said. "Ifound that out the hard way.� By getting back in, I might beeligible for one of these scholarships a few semesters down theroad and be able to concentrate on school without having to worryabout money."
Brandon Gillespie, finance major, also said money is a big issuewith students.
"Many people concentrate too much on the cost of college anddon't realize its potential value," Gillespie said. "I thinkscholarships like these make college a reality for a lot of peopleand show them great opportunities."
Recipients must be full-time engineering, engineeringtechnology, computer science or mathematics students, must be U.S.citizens and must demonstrate financial need. Students must alsohave evidence of good character, motivation and professionalism, asdocumented in two letters of recommendation.
For more information, visit www.ee.memphis.edu/csems/csems.html.
