Syracuse Sun

The development of a new pathway program for community college students interested in engineering received a significant boost with a $100,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) planning grant. The program, known as "Roadmap Into Syracuse Engineering Undergraduate Programs and the Profession" ("RISEUP2"), aims to attract academically talented, low-income students in Central New York who have historically been underrepresented in engineering careers.

Julie Hasenwinkel, the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence and chair of biomedical and chemical engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), and the principal investigator of the project, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities the grant provides. Hasenwinkel highlighted the importance of attracting diverse students to the program, stating, "This is a really exciting opportunity for ECS to envision different ways to bring students into our undergraduate program."

The NSF grant supports the planning efforts of a multi-school project team until spring 2025, with the goal of submitting a Track 3 S-STEM NSF grant proposal. This proposal aims to provide scholarships for engineering students and support services to ensure the success of RISEUP2 participants. According to Hasenwinkel, the planning phase includes strengthening partnerships with community colleges, conducting a needs assessment, and developing collaborations with STEM employers to enhance internship and employment opportunities.

David Pérez, an associate professor of higher education, emphasized the value of the ongoing research and planning activities, noting that the team will contribute to the educational literature on effective practices for supporting the targeted student population. The project team envisions a comprehensive program that offers support throughout the students' academic journey, including financial aid guidance, academic counseling, and job placement assistance.

The initiative aims to create a pathway for community college students to obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering while receiving continuous support and mentorship. With a focus on providing a holistic system of student support, the RISEUP2 program seeks to address the needs of low-income engineering transfer students and contribute to the development of a diverse and skilled STEM workforce in Central New York.