FAMU's Computer Information Sciences (CIS) Program has been awarded a $552,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to recruit minority women to computer science and information technology disciplines.According to CIS Professor Jason Black, data shows that of all U.S. entering freshmen declaring a major in computer science, African-American women comprised only 3.3 percent. "Black women are not choosing technology, and this is a dangerous predicament,' said Black. "When you couple that with the fact that it is estimated that 75 percent of all jobs by the year 2020 will require a technology background, it becomes a crisis call.”
FAMU's grant, which is expected to last for four years, will offer scholarships and other assistance to women who express a financial need and an interest in computer science or information technology.
Women who apply will be accepted based on financial need, and will be awarded a scholarship ranging from $3,000 and $5,000 per semester. In addition to the funding, the women will participate in CIS departmental clubs and organizations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Club, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the CIS Mentoring Organization (CISMO).