Instituting a Community Based STEM Program at Drexel University's College of Engineering: Understanding Factors That Determine the Success of University-Community Partnerships

摘要

The Community Based STEM Program is an engineering focused service-learning program housed in the College of Engineering at Drexel University. Through this program, faculty led student-groups work together to solve real world challenges presented by local community partners. In the College of Engineering, this is one way to provide students with professional skills and volunteer opportunities, provide faculty with an bridge to link their academic expertise with civic engagement, promote improved perception of the University as part of the community, and equip community partners with support on STEM initiatives. In a broader sense, the program aims to develop students as leaders who can engage in critical thinking skills to address community needs and solve those needs through an integration of service learning and design. The future of engineering requires individuals to be strong communicators and engage in teamwork and problem solving.