BOARD # 389: Leveraging ACCESS for Student Success: An NSF-Sponsored Initiative to Support Low-Income, Academically Talented Engineering Technology Students

Brenton K Wilburn; Jennifer Nicole Wilburn; Brenda Fredette

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Conference: 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Publication Date: June 22, 2025
Start Date: June 22, 2025
End Date: August 15, 2025
Conference Session: NSF Grantees Poster Session II
Tagged Topic: NSF Grantees Poster Session
Page Count: 7
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/55762
Download Count: 1

Paper Authors

biography

Brenton K Wilburn Pennsylvania Western University (formerly California University of Pennsylvania)

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Dr. Brenton Wilburn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computing and Engineering Technology at PennWest California. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and ten years of teaching experience, Dr. Wilburn teaches courses in Machine Design, Properties and Strength of Materials, Fluid Power, Statics, Manufacturing Processes, and Senior Design Project. As the Program Coordinator for Mechatronics Engineering Technology, he oversees curriculum development and student advisement within the program.

Dr. Wilburn’s expertise includes Robotics, Automation, Mechanical Design, and Artificial Intelligence. He is passionate about advancing STEM education and creating industry partnerships. In addition to his teaching and coordination roles, Dr. Wilburn serves as Chair of the Appreciative Advising Committee and is an active member of various other university-wide committees. Committed to fostering innovation, he strives to equip students with the practical skills needed to address real-world challenges in engineering technology.

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Jennifer Nicole Wilburn California University of Pennsylvania

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Brenda Fredette California University of Pennsylvania

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Abstract

This paper presents the findings from the ACCESS (Aligning Career & Campus Experiences for Student Success) project, funded under the NSF S-STEM program. The primary goal of ACCESS is to recruit, retain, and graduate low-income, academically talented (LIAT) students in high-demand engineering technology fields, specifically Electrical, Computer, and Mechatronics Engineering Technology. Over the course of the project, two cohorts of students have been enrolled, with a focus on providing financial support, academic advising, and professional development opportunities.

Key activities include the implementation of Appreciative Advising to foster personalized student support, as well as Supplemental Instruction in foundational courses critical to the engineering technology curriculum. Moreover, the project has established strong industry connections through workplace tours and guest speaker seminars, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world STEM careers. Looking ahead, guided internships are being developed as part of a scaffolded suite of professional experiences, which will provide students with practical, hands-on exposure to industry environments, further preparing them for success in STEM fields.

Despite challenges related to FAFSA and Pell eligibility changes affecting recruitment, the project remains on track to meet its goals. Results from the first two cohorts demonstrate positive retention rates and significant progress in preparing students for their STEM careers. Evaluation data collected through VIA Evaluation has shown that workplace tours, seminar series, and planned guided internships have had a measurable impact on student self-efficacy and career awareness.

Citation
Format

Wilburn, B. K., & Wilburn, J. N., & Fredette, B. (2025, June), BOARD # 389: Leveraging ACCESS for Student Success: An NSF-Sponsored Initiative to Support Low-Income, Academically Talented Engineering Technology Students Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55762