IEC 2to4 program puts its focus on the community college student
Chicago, IL. (September 22, 2022) - The Inclusive Engineering Consortium was recently awarded a $10.9M grant over six years by the U.S. Department of Defense Research and Development division to support IEC's 2to4 program focused on first-generation, underrepresented community college students in their transition in completing four-year ECE degrees. The Consortium is one of five recipients selected from more than fifty applicants for a DoD STEM Community College Consortium award. The IEC is working to build equitable partnerships that engage multiple MSIs, PWIs, and industry members to address common interests in education, research, and service.
"The IEC is pleased to receive this grant award to further address and overcome barriers to STEM education for underrepresented students," says Craig Scott, Board President of the IEC. "The 2-year to 4-year pathway through four-year engineering programs at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) is a critical one for under-represented groups. It's beneficial for everyone to engage in cross-institutional partnerships."
The 2to4 program's purpose is to create a clear, informed pathway to an engineering degree and career for students interested in ECE if starting in 2-year educational programs. During their academic journey in completing a 4-year degree, students will be guided by educational and professional workshops, academic and peer mentorship support, and internship opportunities.
Representing a virtual super department model that includes over 5000 students and 200 faculty with MSI partners, the IEC is poised to expand to include more than 50 community colleges over the course of the IEC 2to4 program's implementation.
"Receiving this grant is a pivotal moment for our academic partner institutions and the work being done to support the future of electrical and computer engineering," says John R. Janowiak, Executive Director of the IEC. "The IEC remains committed to student success inside and outside the classroom."
To read the DoD's announcement release on this effort click here.
About the Inclusive Engineering Consortium
The Inclusive Engineering Consortium is a non-profit organization comprised of historically minority serving institutions working as one to advance the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) enterprise. The overall goal of the Consortium is to produce a larger and better prepared pool of African-American, Hispanic, and Native American ECE graduates.