Evaluation of Support Programs for Underserved Populations in Engineering ICE - Illinois Connections in Engineering SAGE - Student Assisted Guidance in Engineering

摘要

Engineers are key personnel to maintain or promote economic growth and create jobs through innovation in a society However, engineers experience difficulties in transition or socialization in multiple stages of their academic and professional career Especially, first-year engineering students are exposed to more critical environmental changes and discrepancies of identity Unsuccessful transitioning into rigorous engineering education context induces low retention of first year engineering students. The National Science Foundation 8 reports that only 60% of students who enter engineering disciplines obtain an engineering degree. Some engineering colleges provide special support services to increase the retention of first-year engineering students In addition, particular high attrition rate of underrepresented groups in engineering, e.g., female and minorities demand the exploration of alternative support options in transition In the transition process of their first year at college of engineering, new engineering students are influenced by academic performance (GPA), social interactions with peers and faculties as well as family, support programs, pre-college characteristics, innate personalities, and perception toward engineering.