Since 1988, Polytechnic’s PROMISE FUND has helped disadvantaged students fulfill their dream of earning a college degree. As one of the University’s largest scholarship programs, the fund has raised over $16 million in scholarships and supported over 2,000 students. Most recipients are from minority groups, come from immigrant families or are the first in their family to attend college. Many are women, a traditionally underrepresented group in science and engineering. As part of the PROMISE FUND outreach program, high school students are given the opportunity to attend select undergraduate courses offered at the University and work with faculty on research projects during the summer. These programs encourage talented students to pursue careers in science and engineering. Student research projects have been submitted to national and international competitions, including the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition, the Intel Science Talent Search, the International Science and Engineering Fair and the International Taiwanese Science and Technology Competition. PROMISE FUND scholarship recipients are inducted into the program in a special ceremony each year.