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Case Study: Steps to reach out to hidden underrepresented Student candidates in Engineering

Abstract

This article discusses the steps planned and implemented to reach out and increase participation and retention of minority students in our engineering programs at San Francisco State University (SFSU). These efforts began with SFSU's Partnership for Engineering Education (PFEE) program. The goal of this program is to bring together alumni, faculty and student participants from various organizations such as high schools, community colleges, universities and industry. These participants are brought to the PFEE through SFSU chapters of the MESA Engineering Program (MEP), Women Engineering Program (WEP) and other similar programs or professional societies.

The article also briefly describes how the NASA Fellowship Program (NAFP) has provided opportunities to integrate faculty and NASA projects in the above efforts. Currently, average enrollment in the School of Engineering is about 750 students each semester. This student body is ethnically, culturally, academically and economically diverse. About 18% of the School’s students are women and 54% are minority (28% Asian, 17% Hispanic, and 9% African American). The School of Engineering has a strong interest in maintaining and strengthening its reputation for attracting minority and underrepresented students. Its enrollment has steadily increased in the past five years, while national enrollments at other engineering schools have been declining. It is expected expect that this trend will continue. Nevertheless, our institution is continuing its minority recruiting efforts.

Introduction

With over 29,000 students, San Francisco State University (SFSU) is the third largest campus in the 22-campus California State University (CSU) System. SFSU ranks ninth in the nation in producing minority graduates. SFSU is an urban comprehensive university with the largest numbers of students of color among the northern CSU campuses (65% total undergraduate minority enrollment). By ethnicity, the student body is a formation of 37% White; 24% Asian; 14% Latino; 12% Filipino and Pacific Islander; 7% African American; 6% other and 0.8% Native American. Majority of these students work full time or part-time while studying for their degree at SFSU.

Average enrollment in the School of Engineering is about 750 students each semester. The student body is ethnically, culturally, academically and economically diverse. About 18% of the School’s students are women and 54% are minority (28% Asian, 17% Hispanic, and 9% African American). Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Most are economically or socially disadvantaged and must work to support themselves financially while in college. Being confronted with these hardships helps the students develop a conviction and a determination to

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Shahnasser, H., & Pong, W. (2006, June), Case Study: Steps To Reach Out To Hidden Underrepresented Student Candidates In Engineering Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--441