Targeted Recruitment of Disadvantaged Students: The Multiplier Effect of Senior Electrical Engineering Design Demonstrations

Although the importance of Electrical and Computer Engineering is recognized as one of the critical areas for producing technically competitive graduates, recruitment of students to this area presents a challenge. In part, this is due to the fact that Electrical and Computer Engineering is not part of the curriculum of many high schools; thus, students are not exposed to this field of study. Many high school students have misconceptions of engineering, a complete lack of understanding of “what it means to be an engineer”, and/or feel they are incapable of achieving such high aspirations. The University of Texas at San Antonio is the third largest Hispanic-serving institution in the U.S. One of the goals of the University is to recruit disadvantaged students and underrepresented minorities, especially those who are the first generation, to attain a degree in higher education. To this end, the authors, in collaboration with the College of Education and Human Development’s Academy for Teaching Excellence have created a bi-annual program of community outreach and recruitment. The focus of activity is the Electrical Engineering Senior Design Demonstrations held at the end of every spring and fall semester. The seniors prepare exhibits of their design to include working prototypes and poster presentations for the event.