The University of South Florida Polytechnic Diversity Office will present the third annual STARS Demonstration Project Workshops Jan. 4 - 6, 2009, at the InterContinental Tampa, 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.

Students & Technology in Academia Research and Service (STARS) Demonstration Project Workshops are best practice programs funded by the National Science Foundation to increase the number of women and underrepresented students in technology. Ten universities, including Auburn, UNC Charlotte, NC State, FAMU and Hampton, will take part in workshops on Identity-based Mentoring using the Thomas Principles, Pair Programming and Culturally Situated Design Tools.

The STARS Alliance aims to increase the participation of under-represented populations, women, and persons with disabilities in computing disciplines through multi-faceted interventions focused on the influx and progression of students from middle school through graduate school that lead to computing careers.