The FSU College of Information is part of an 11 university consortium that recently received a $2 million National Science Foundation grant to broaden participation in computer-related academic programs. The grant project is entitled The STARS Alliance: A Southeastern Partnership for Diverse Participation in Computing.

“We want to encourage more people-particularly women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities-to pursue careers in computer science and information technology.” said Dean Larry Dennis. “This program also helps FSU serve as a proving ground and model for best practices in computing instruction.”

The initiative plans to recruit, develop, and retain students through interventions focusing on their entrance and progression (from middle school through graduate school) in programs that lead to computing careers.

The STARS (Students and Technology in Academia, Research, and Service) Alliance is organized as a national constellation of regional stars that include research universities, minority and women’s universities & colleges, K-12 educators, industry, professional organizations, and community groups. The southeastern stars include North Carolina-Piedmont, North Carolina-Triangle, Alabama/Georgia, Georgia, and Florida.

FSU is the coordinating university for the Florida star, which also includes FAMU, University of South Florida-Lakeland, and Landmark College. Collaborating at FSU are the College of Information and Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts & Sciences, with Drs. Mia Lustria and Lois Hawkes, respectively, leading the efforts.