Work in progress - a research-based tool kit for communicating unique messages about engineering to first generation college students

The ultimate purpose of this work-in-progress is to contribute to increased recruitment and retention efforts for first generation college students studying engineering at the undergraduate level. This paper describes the first stages of a project which aims to translate the authors' research into a “tool kit” of practical outreach and recruitment materials (e.g., brochures, slides, web-based information) for use and adaptation by the engineering education community. With the completion of this work, outreach and recruitment staff, diversity program personnel, teaching faculty and administrators will be equipped with information and materials that will help them to recognize and address the distinct barriers first generation college students face in pursuing an engineering education. Research conducted at two institutions (a diverse urban, commuter university and a predominately White residential school in a rural area) guides the tool kit development.