Despite the growing need for highly trained people in technology, engineering and related fields, relatively few Americans, and even smaller numbers of women and students of color, obtain terminal degrees in disciplines centered around mathematics and science.

For example, the following national statistics relate the number of African-Americans, Hispanics and women receiving doctoral degrees in the respective disciplines in 2000:

• African-Americans received only 2.8% of all earned doctorates in the physical sciences.
• Hispanics received only 3.4% of all earned doctorates in the physical sciences-while blacks and Hispanics comprise about 13% each of the general population.
• Women received only 15% of earned doctorates in engineering (math-based)-while comprising over 50% of the general population.

In response to this national need, in spring 2001 I charged dedicated BGSU faculty and staff to begin the Academic Investment in Math and Science (AIMS) program. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure the development of a continuing stream of well-prepared graduates in science, technology, engineering and math, many of whom will attend graduate school. (These math/science-based disciplines are often broadly and collectively referred to as STEM disciplines.) Specifically, the mission of AIMS is to increase the number and quality of STEM-based bachelor degree recipients, while focusing on two grossly under-represented populations-women and students of color.

Now in its third year, the BGSU AIMS program is on track, with AIMS scholars achieving somewhat better academically than the at-large student body (higher GPAs by 0.3 GPA units) and showing better retention after one year, while positioning themselves for future graduate studies. Program components such as an enhanced summer program, faculty mentoring, peer teaching and learning, undergraduate research, career-focused first-year seminar courses and "STEM Exposures" (described under "Four-year Programs" in this handbook) are now firmly in place to secure the ongoing success of the AIMS program and its scholars.

AIMS was started with institutional seed funding from existing grants for historically under-represented groups, room-and-board grants for multicultural students, "Success Challenge" funds from the state, and monies from my office. Those funds have continued. In addition, we have recently received external funding from private donors and the Ohio Science and Engineering Alliance (based on a 2003 National Science Foundation grant) to support the program. But equally if not more important has been the unswerving support for AIMS by more than 30 dedicated faculty and staff members and several external volunteers.

I look forward to continued growth and achievement in this program and relish greeting the first AIMS graduates in 2005.

-Sidney Ribeau