Interested in understanding what supercomputing means? Want to learn how next-generation computing, networking and storage technologies help to solve our world’s challenges and problems? Do you want to be in a place that brings together scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, programmers, system administrators and managers to discuss, discover and innovate the path forward for computing? If so, the SC08 Broader Engagement initiative might just be for you. SC08, the international conference for high performance computing, networking, storage and analysis, takes place November 15-21, 2008 in Austin, Texas. For twenty years, the SC conference has showcased the latest advances in high performance computing, networking, storage and analysis. Over the years, the conference has expanded its breadth to reach a wider community. For example, the Education Program helps teachers integrate high performance computing into the classroom, while the Doctoral Consortium provides a forum in which graduate students can present their research. And a series of competitive “challenges” have been created to test both expertise and teamwork. In addition, the conference is committed to broadening the engagement of individuals from groups that have traditionally been under-represented in high performance computing. The SC08 Broader Engagement (BE) initiative will award participation grants to provide travel assistance to individuals from groups that have traditionally been under-represented in computing: African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, women and disabled people. These grants are available to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled full time for at least one semester during the 2007-2008 academic year and are at least 18 years of age. Faculty and young professionals also will be considered, with a preference for faculty whose students are receiving SC08 BE grants. “Successful applicants for our travel assistance grants will have access to unprecedented opportunities through the SC08 Broader Engagement initiative,” said Tony Baylis of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, SC08’s Broader Engagement Chair. “Our mentorship program plans to provide hands-on learning, while connecting students with leaders in high performance computing and related fields. For the right individuals, this can be a career changing experience.” Applications for SC08 Broader Engagement travel assistance grants are being accepted through August 1, 2008. In addition to complimentary conference registration, grant recipients will be reimbursed for expenses associated with SC08 lodging and transportation, up to a pre-determined amount. More information, including a link to the application form, can be found at its Web site.