Institution The University of Texas at Austin State Texas Academic Level Baccalaureate Issue Area Access Website http://www.engr.utexas.edu/eoe/ Key Personnel Enrique Dominguez Program Focus STEM Overview The mission of the Equal Opportunity in Engineering Program (EOE) is to promote excellence in the areas of academics, leadership, professionalism, and community support. They aim to develop pre-college and college students on their academic journey and build a support network for advancement through opportunities that encourage engineering students to interact with their peers, faculty, alumni, and corporate representatives. Program Description The EOE was established in 1970 to promote the recruitment and academic development of African American, Hispanic, and Native American students interested in pursuing careers in engineering. Since then, the EOE has expanded its goals to increase the diversity of its student body by supporting those who come from historically underrepresented population groups in Texas or those who have backgrounds that will contribute to the overall diversity of the Cockrell School of Engineering. The EOE invites students to become part of a new community that focuses on academic success and personal growth. Two initiatives include the First-Year Interest Groups and Engineering Peer Leaders. Students have access to tutoring, research opportunities, and professional development workshops. Further, in partnership with three minority organizations, the EOE program builds a network that makes it easy to meet other students, form study groups, and develop friendships that last well after graduation. Outcome Since the 1970s, the EOE Program has helped to increase the Hispanic population within the Cockrell School of Engineering from 23 to currently over 950 undergraduate students. The EOE recruitment and outreach efforts have helped to increase the Hispanic “First Time in College” total to over 224 (18%) of the entering engineering class. EOE’s academic initiatives contribute to an 81% first-year, 69% second-year and 59% third-year retention rate. Since 2003, EOE has assisted in graduating Hispanic engineers at a 31% 4-year, 60% five-year and 68% six-year graduation rate. EOE’s leadership efforts have aided the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers student organization to increase Hispanic engineering involvement to over 200 members. The EOE Program has helped to serve over 24,000 young Hispanic engineers. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
