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Taking Another Look at Educating African American Engineers: The Importance of Undergraduate Retention
Author(s) -
Reichert Monty,
Absher Martha
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.1997.tb00291.x
Subject(s) - engineering education , affirmative action , diversity (politics) , commission , workforce , underrepresented minority , african american , institution , engineering , medical education , sociology , political science , engineering management , law , medicine , ethnology
In this paper we identify the engineering schools that either graduate large classes of African Americans or that retain relatively high percentages of African American students in engineering; point out that modest improvements in student retention would significantly affect the total number of bachelors degrees earned annually by African Americans in engineering; examine the measures implemented by some schools that are particularly effective at retaining African Americans in engineering; and present our views on the future of diversity efforts in engineering. The message we wish to emphasize is that at the very least colleges and universities should endeavor to retain those under represented minority undergraduates who have decided to pursue an engineering education. Frequently used abbreviations EWC — Engineering Workforce Commission, HBCU — historically black college or university, MEP — minority engineering program, MES — minority engineering society, MRR — minority retention rate, NACME — National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, TWI — traditionally white institution