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Implementing Inclusive Paths to Employment and Degree Completion in a Community College Engineering Technology Program

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Page Count

7

DOI

10.18260/1-2--42063

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/42063

Download Count

198

Paper Authors

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Carolyn Robinson Mt. San Antonio Community College

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Brandon Saller Mt San Antonio College

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Abstract

Engineering technology students entering community colleges are often forced to choose between an expensive, lengthy, poorly-aligned transfer course sequence, or a non-engineering, entry-level training program.  This project will explore how engineering technology programs support technicians by developing workplace skills for the technical workforce, while simultaneously preparing them to complete discipline specific degree programs to meet the needs of local industry and to improve student-learning experiences.  The Supporting Technicians in Engineering Programs from Underserved Populations (STEP-UP) program, funded by a NSF Advanced Technical Education (ATE) grant, will design and implement inclusive paths to employment and degree completion for engineering technology college students.

This paper presents the development and implementation of the STEP-UP program and summarizes initial research and evaluation results.  A two-week Engineering Summer Cohort program marked the first step in creating a community of engineering technology students who will be engaged in career readiness throughout their coursework.  Students developed an educational plan, fabricated a custom electronics soundboard, accessed financial aid resources, and created lasting relationships with faculty in engineering and counseling.  Additionally, the STEP UP program engages community college engineering technology students through participatory action research, provides holistic learning experiences that enhance each student participant's desire to enter a technical profession, and provides resources for personal growth.  Eleven new certificates of achievement and five new associate degrees of science in the discipline of Engineering Technology were designed with the support of our Engineering Technology Industry representatives. These stackable, embedded credentials will support new and returning students’ preparation for employment and transfer.

Mahmoud, E., & Robinson, C., & Saller, B. (2022, August), Implementing Inclusive Paths to Employment and Degree Completion in a Community College Engineering Technology Program Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--42063

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