The University of Akron's Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics program seeks to retain minority engineering students by emphasizing competence and diversity and forming collaborative learning communities focused on excellence, not remediation. Features include learning contracts, peer counseling, freshman transition activities, a study…

Discusses Collins' model (black women as "outsiders within") as a career development strategy. Uses survey data from 34 academic researchers that show how those who use "outsider" career strategies are intrinsically motivated and may use their research as a form of affirmation. (JOW)

The author of "Learning from the Outsider Within: The Sociological Significance of Black Feminist Thought" reflects on the challenges that currently affect the construct's usefulness: the changing meanings of the term "outsider within" and how the changing meanings work with current marketplace ideologies. (JOW)