Maturing of a Multidisciplinary Cohort of STEM Scholars: Year Three

This work addresses the third-year efforts of Colorado State University-Pueblo faculty in retaining a cohort of low-income students majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).Originally, 20 in-state freshmen with demonstrated financial need and sufficiently high GPAs (3.0) were awarded four-year scholarships.This work analyzes the thirdyear activities of re-building, sustaining, and nurturing the cohort of about 20 scholars consisting of mechatronics, civil engineering technology, computer information systems, physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics students.When compared with the previous year, results show a significant improvement in retention.Mentoring needs and activities increased while tutoring needs ended.Some cohort members started undergraduate research projects with their mentors while some others became involved in engineering design projects and competitions.Through an aggressive student placement program and two career fairs, some cohort students were able to secure internships.