The National Science Foundation has awarded Lamar University a $490,000 grant to support its "Increasing Student Participation in Research Development" - INSPIRED - program. The goal of the program is to demonstrate that by using INSPIRED strategies schools can increase the number of women and minorities getting computing degrees to help meet the growing demand for talented professionals in the field of computer science. Strategies for INSPIRED include engaging students in an enriched research plan with tutoring, mentoring and peer support; helping students bridge to advanced study or careers in computing; dispelling misconceptions about computer science that discourage participation of women and minorities; and engaging INSPIRED students in outreach programs for under-represented middle and high school students.

Funding will support the program for three years, beginning Sept. 1, 2007. Computer Science Professor Dr. Peggy Doerschuk and Assistant Professor Dr. Jiangjiang Liu will direct the activities of the INSPIRED Program, and Psychology Assistant Professor Judith Mann will direct the assessment of the INSPIRED Program.