BYU computer science alumni came back to their alma mater and donated over $35,000 for the new Microsoft Mentorship in the computer science department.

This mentorship allows students in the computer science major to actively pursue mentored undergraduate research and be paid for it.

This helps many students who otherwise would choose jobs that don't give them computer science experience, but instead pay the bills.

"This scholarship has allowed me to have an on-campus position that lets me practice and work as I continue to improve my knowledge and skill in my field," said Jeff Peters, a junior majoring in computer science. "The skills and experience I am learning are more valuable then any single class I have taken."

Microsoft's contribution to the department has allowed computer science students to use complex new programs in order to complete their research and work more in-depth.

"I think the most important part of this [scholarship] is that Microsoft is funding the advancement of research," said Peter McClanahan, a senior studying computer science and a recipient of the mentorship. "Although I have not completely decided what to do for a career...this experience has made me highly consider doing research as a career."

In order for the funds to be used in an efficient manner, more than half of the $35,000 will go immediately to students currently enrolled in the major, according to a BYU news release. The rest of the funds will be used to create a permanent endowment for the use of future students.

This new mentorship has already allowed four students to further their academic goals; those include Derek Bunn, Micheal Deardeuff, Jeff Peters and Peter McClanahan.



Copyright Brigham Young University 23 Oct 2007