Engineering Scholars Program: Fostering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
The Engineering Scholars Program (ESP) will serve the financial, academic, and career needs of talented low income students pursing bachelor degrees in engineering, computer science, or technology. The overarching goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who graduate with undergraduate degrees in STEM fields and to increase the preparedness of these students for diverse career paths. A multi-pronged approach consisting of cohort building, academic support, professional development, and mentoring is used to increase student retention and graduation rates. Program elements are designed to be flexible to allow students to participate without affecting their academic studies or progress. The ESP will directly support 30 students with one cohort of 15 students beginning in year 1 and a second cohort of 15 students beginning in year 2. Selected scholars will receive funding based on need up to $5,000 per academic year. Specific objectives of the program are to: (a) Increase the retention of students from sophomore year to graduation, (b) Reduce the average time to degree completion, (c) Increase professional preparation and awareness of diverse STEM career paths, and (d) Adapt and evaluate evidence-based support strategies for minority student success. A research study examining student motivation and STEM identity development with a particular focus on the internship experience is an integral component of the project. The research study will allow us to examine the influence of mentors, role models, familial representation and teachers, in addition to examining other internal and external factors influencing STEM career selection.