The Succeed in Engineering Technology Scholars (SETS) program has had continued success in developing and identifying its future technology leaders. It awards twenty scholarships each academic year to students enrolled full time in one of three undergrad programs offered by the Engineering Technology Department: Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
The program has continued to expand its course, meeting every few months to share various ideas that will help the program grow. During the first SETS meeting at University of Houston, students met with faculty mentors to discuss activities that would help enrich their experience on campus and ensure their success during their school years and after they graduate. Students shared their achievements, as well as the activities and supporting tools they would need to enhance their experience with the program.
The SETS project advisory board also met at beginning of the fall 2015 semester to discuss the expansion of the program in upcoming years. The board meeting was chaired by Dr. Teri Longacre, the Vice Provost and Dean and included Dr. Stuart Long, professor of the department of electrical and computer engineering and associate dean of undergraduate research at the Honors College; Dr. Carmen Carter, assistant dean for student affairs in the College of Technology; Shari Corprew, assistant director scholarships and financial aid; and industry partner representatives: Mr. Kemal Farid (computer and electrical power engineering technology industry advisory board chair); Dr. Paul Jukes (mechanical engineering technology industry advisory board chair); and Mr. Igor Alvarado, business development manager for academic research at National Instruments.
Diversity is an important challenge that the program plans to address. According to reports to the board, 22 students had been selected for the 2015-2016 cycle with an average GPA above 3.30 in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses; 87% are classified as under-represented minority students and 27% are female. The advisory board brought forward new ideas to help ensure the project's success - including weekend leadership development retreats, exposure to entrepreneurship resources on campus and in the Greater Houston Area; and identifying, mentoring and working with future scholars to develop solutions to real world engineering problems.