Purdue News

October 20, 2000 Minority research, recruitment program earns national award WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Summer Research Opportunities Program of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation has earned a national award for helping instruct the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers. The program, in which Purdue actively participates, has won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. The award, established by President Clinton in 1996, recognizes the efforts of individuals and organizations that inspire and mentor young people to succeed in fields of science, math and engineering. The program encourages talented minority undergraduate students to consider academic careers by providing them an opportunity to work individually with university researchers for three months. Purdue University initiated the program in 1980 under the direction of Dwight Lewis, minority coordinator for the Graduate School. The program was expanded to other members of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation in 1986. The CIC consists of the Big Ten universities, University of Chicago, University of Illinois-Chicago, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. More than 6,700 student have participated in the national program since its inception. Seventy percent of the students moved on to graduate-level studies and 80 have gone on to become university professors. CONTACT: Lewis, (765) 494-3232; delewis@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page