BOARD # 452: S-STEM: Enhancing Career Readiness of S-STEM Scholars Through Co-ops and Internships

Wei Zhang

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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 Topics: Diversity and NSF Grantees Poster Session
Page Count: 6
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/55833

Paper Authors

biography

Wei Zhang University of Louisville

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Dr. Wei Zhang is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Louisville. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 2003. Dr. Zhang served as an assistant/associate professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) from 2003 to 2010 and as an associate and full professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) from 2010 to 2019. His research interests include computer architecture, compilers, real-time computing, and hardware security. Dr. Zhang has published over 170 papers in refereed journals and conference proceedings. His research work has received support from various government and industry grants, including 10 grants from the NSF for which he serves as the principal investigator. He was honored with the 2016 Engineer of the Year Award from the Richmond Joint Engineer Council, the 2009 SIUC Excellence through Commitment Outstanding Scholar Award for the College of Engineering, and the 2007 IBM Real-time Innovation Award.

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Abstract

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) has received an NSF S-STEM grant to support low-income, academically talented students. The department offers two undergraduate degree programs: BS in Computer Science and Engineering, and BA in Computer Science (BACS). Eligible Students in both programs can apply for the S-STEM scholarships.

This paper presents our initial study on how participation in co-ops and internships enhances the career readiness of S-STEM students. In the B.S. CSE program, S-STEM students are required to complete three co-op rotations, while those in the BACS program must complete two internships. Many students collaborate with the Engineering Career Office to secure these opportunities. Additionally, S-STEM cohort meetings provide a platform for new students to learn from junior and senior S-STEM students, who share their experiences in finding and participating in co-ops and internships.

Student survey results indicate that for 70% of S-STEM students in our program, the co-op or internship experience has significantly improved their technical knowledge and skills. All students responded agree that the co-op or internship experience has improved their professional skills and job readiness. In addition, 90% of the S-STEM students think working with the co-op and career office is effective or very effective. However, 20% of the S-STEM students believe it is very challenging to find their last co-op or internship, even with the help from the co-op and career office. This is not surprised, considering the recent national job market trend in computer science.

Citation
Format

Zhang, W. (2025, June), BOARD # 452: S-STEM: Enhancing Career Readiness of S-STEM Scholars Through Co-ops and Internships Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55833