Two leading science educators provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-field analysis of current trends in the research, policy, and practice of science education. This book offers valuable insights into why gaps in science achievement among racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups persist, and points toward practical means of…

The Preprofessional Program's objectives for increasing minority student participation in the health sciences are outlined in this report. Steps taken by the program to meet each of the objectives are briefly described. Data collected during the last year of the program are presented for such areas as class composition, students' career interests,…

Identifies assumptions and points out specific design questions which can help guide the development of successful programs to assist nontraditional students. Lists five myths identified as interfering with program development. Also reviews some factors to be considered in evaluating an assistance program and provides a concluding analysis. (JM)

This report presents the findings of an evaluative study of the current status of engineering education for minority students at the collegiate and pre-collegiate levels in the United States. It is based on a survey of 50 existing programs and a review of the professional and research literature in this field. The major findings of the analysis…

In 1969 Meharry Medical College established a summer program, the Biomedical Science program, for undergraduate minority students interested in careers in medicine or dentistry. Two follow-up surveys examining the program's impact study medical and dental school admissions among participants and student opinion regarding the program's influence.…

The U.S. Department of Education's Strategic Plan 2002-2007 (2002) established an objective to "reduce the gaps in college access and completion among student populations differing by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability while increasing the educational attainment of all." Upward Bound, which made its first awards in 1965, has…

An innovative interdisciplinary project at California State University, Long Beach, was designed to increase the attractiveness of the geosciences (physical geography, geology, and archaeology) to underrepresented groups. The goal was to raise awareness of the geosciences by providing summer research opportunities for underrepresented high school…

Examines effects of an afterschool science program on minority female students' attitudes toward science, engineering, and mathematics. The program, which incorporated cooperative learning, lands-on activities, mentoring, and role models, positively influenced participants' attitudes to (and subsequent participation in) these subject areas.…