This report summarizes a study of the effectiveness of the National Science Foundation's Research Opportunities for Women (ROW) program in encouraging female scientists and engineers to initiate research careers. Study findings are based on telephone interviews conducted with 657 ROW-eligible women: 255 who applied through the ROW program, 302 who applied through regular National Science Foundation (NSF) disciplinary programs, and 100 who had never applied. The program provides an alternative entry point for proposals to NSF from women seeking their first Federal research grant or from women whose research career has been interrupted for 2 of the previous 5 years. The report outlines the survey and sampling strategy and discusses results in terms of program attraction, impact of proposal decision, differences among applicant groups and nonapplicants, support from non-NSF sources, proposal preparation assistance, perceptions of ROW and NSF, career development, and suggestions for improving NSF support of female scientists and engineers. The study found that the program was successful in attracting women who had not previously submitted research proposals to NSF, and that ROW principally benefits young female researchers who are substantively ready to conduct sponsored research but relatively unsophisticated about the process of obtaining a Federal grant. An appendix contains a copy of the survey form. (JDD)