Developing Engineering and Computer Science Skills for Middle School Minority Male Student

Final Paper pdf 33KB

A year round program to help cultivate engineering and computer science skills in middle school minority males’ was initiated to address some of the disparities observed among African American and Latinos. Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Architecture faculty instructed the students along with the support of undergraduate students in respective fields. This report discusses the approach used in the initial summer program launch, which focused on 6 local schools from 2 districts resulting in 49 student participants. Preliminary results indicate that 51% of the student participants have increased interest in STEM subjects and 45% have increased STEM proficiency based on a pre- and post-survey and assessment outcome. In addition, 41% of the participants increased their programming and coding skills whilst 36% increased their knowledge of digital manufacturing and 3D printing after a 2-week summer program. The program is continuing through the academic year.

Author(s):

Otsebele Nare    
Engineering
Hampton University
United States

Chutima Boonthum-Denecke    
Computer Science
Hampton University
United States

Jean Muhammad    
Computer Science
Hampton University
United States

Marci Turner    
Architecture
Hampton University
United States

Elaine Dietz    
Computer Science
Hampton University
United States

Arthur Affleck    
Office of Development
Hampton University
United States