Elizabeth Gaw chuckles as she refers to herself as a stereotypical computer science major — quiet and socially awkward.

She had no idea how she would fit in at Fresno State her freshman year, or how she would do in the complicated courses needed for her major.

Gaw considers herself a first-generation student even though her parents went to college. They attended school in the Philippines with limited resources and technology, Gaw said. Math and English were taught at lower standards than in the United States, making it difficult for her parents to help her, she said.

Now a senior who hopes to work as a software engineer or web developer, Gaw credits the Building Opportunities through Networks of Discovery, or BOND, program through the College of Science and Mathematics with setting her on a course for success.

Early results show that BOND students have higher retention rates in science and math than their classmates, are closing the achievement gap, have a greater sense of community and a stronger belief in their ability to be successful.

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