Diversity Initiatives

The College of Engineering works to carry out our diversity initiative through the Diversity Affairs Office, which offers support for underrepresented students in the College. Support for these students comes in many forms including scholarships, academic advising, professional and leadership development, and a strong mentoring community. In addition, the DAO also works with other student services in the college to offer programs and services to enhance educational, cultural, and personal development of all students. Through this office, the College fulfills its responsibility to provide the field of engineering with talented students who are diverse in gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic representation.

The Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity (LEED) Scholars Program is a competitive scholarship program, designed to attract academically talented women and other groups historically underrepresented in the field of engineering.

LEED Scholars are supported by the Diversity Affairs Office as well as individuals, and corporate partners. They meet once per month during the academic year; Community meetings include lectures; academic, personal, and career development, social networking; mentoring; and leadership opportunities within the field of engineering.

LEED Links

For freshmen, we also offer LEED Links, a peer-mentoring program that pairs incoming students with successful upperclassmen. Through this program, we aim to recruit and graduate leaders in engineering with a passion for service to community.

Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a fully funded, six-week residential program for underrepresented high school juniors or seniors. ESP gives participants the opportunity to think like an engineer by immersing them into the field and enabling them to experience college-level courses. The program will help students gain a better understanding of the field of engineering while they prepare for the personal, academic, and social aspects of college life.

Curriculum

ESP participants can expect a full schedule of rigorous classes taught by UW-Madison faculty. Students take coursework in five content areas:

• Mathematics (Pre-Calculus or Calculus, as appropriate)
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Technical Communications
• Introductory Engineering Design

ESP challenges students to think creatively, work in teams, and draw on previous knowledge and experiences in order to problem solve. ESP provides participants with a hands-on experience in design, in addition to group study and problem solving skills that are transferable to future high school and collegiate coursework. Students participate in faculty-led discussions, team building activities, and industrial site visits where students can interact with practicing engineers at companies like Alliant Energy, Design Concepts, GE Healthcare, Rockwell Automation, and Spectrum Brands.

Not only do we work to prepare students for their future in engineering, we also help make their transition to college easier with professional development workshops. Through these workshops, we aim to help students navigate complicated topics like college admissions, campus life, and financial aid.