FOCUS SCHOLARS
Why Graduate School?
While the percentage of minorities receiving advanced degrees has shown steady growth in the last decade, fewer than 5 percent are recipients of advanced degrees in engineering and science. The problem? As the nation's economy becomes increasingly driven by research and technology, minority students will severely limit their career choices if they do not seek master's and doctoral degrees in these fields. Furthermore, the science and technological communities will suffer greatly.
Why Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech is the nation's top producer of African American engineering graduates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels, according to Black Issues in Higher Education magazine.
Georgia Tech Engineering Degrees Awarded to African Americans, 2003-04
- B.S. = 126
- M.S. = 34
- Ph.D. = 16
"These rankings confirm Georgia Tech's strong commitment to attracting and graduating minority students in engineering and science," said Georgia Tech President Wayne Clough. "Given the growing need in our state and around the nation for talented citizens, we are proud of Georgia Tech's role as a national leader in creating and maintaining a supportive educational environment for minority students."
Why FOCUS?
As the main component of the FOCUS program, FOCUS Scholars is designed to increase the awareness of undergraduate juniors and seniors of the advantages and benefits of receiving an advanced degree. The Scholars receive an overview of Georgia Tech's graduate degree programs, a review of financial sources, and assistance in the application and decision-making process involved in selecting a graduate school.
During the FOCUS weekend, Scholars will:
- Attend current student and alumni panel discussions to learn about real life experiences, academic life, and professional careers.
- Gather by college of interest for a welcome and information session by the appropriate college dean.
- Visit the academic units and research laboratories according to interest and interact with current students and faculty in the department.
- Meet with representatives of the Graduate Admissions Office to discuss admissions timelines, expectations, funding sources, and application procedures.
- Visit historic sites around Atlanta and experience the cultural and social aspects of the city.
Why me?
FOCUS is first and foremost a graduate school marketing program. The program's goal is to increase minority student awareness of the benefits and increased opportunities of a graduate degree, then recruit students to pursue a graduate degree at Georgia Tech. For students who do not choose to enroll at Georgia Tech, the hope of FOCUS is that they will pursue a graduate degree at another institution. The program is open to all students who meet the academic qualifications and could potentially benefit from participation in the program.
Qualifications
Class
- Junior (90 percent of participants)
- Senior (10 percent of participants)
- Graduate (case-by-case basis)
GPA = 3.5/4.0