The primary objectives of Phase III are to: increase the number of STEM BS graduates from 2771 to 3600, which will more than double the 1991 baseline figure of 1709; scale-up the most effective strategies and initiate new initiatives to enhance undergraduate STEM student preparation for graduate studies; increase to 50% the percent of BS graduates from UPR institutions who enter graduate schools, and to 25% for those that graduate from the private institutions; and increase the number BS graduates from PR-LSAMP institutions that complete a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree, either locally or nationally, from 239 to 300 by Year 5.

For Phase III, PR-LSAMP will be developing the following strategies to complete the construction of permanent pathways to graduate studies in STEM:

• Interactive web-based modules to master hard to teach concepts in science (physics);

• Electronic modules to expand the interdisciplinary capabilities of undergraduate STEM students;

• Scale-up of the teaching/learning strategies that have been proven successful in improving student performance in SMET courses, through ongoing academic and technical assistance to faculty and an Annual Best Practices Conference;

• Information Technology skills in STEM students so they are capable of making effective and more critical use of accurate and valid information in their professional lives;

• A Pre-College to College Bridging Component that will induct students into research experiences, and further enhance the number of students entering and completing STEM BS programs, and entering graduate school and completing a PhD in STEM; and

• A research and mentoring program to provide a larger number of students with key skills and guidance to improve their preparation and motivation for graduate studies, in coordination with the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Program.