Assessing U.S. Minority Engineering Programs: Outline of a Research Agenda

16 Pages Posted: 1 Nov 2011 Last revised: 4 Nov 2011

See all articles by Connie L. McNeely

Connie L. McNeely

George Mason University - School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs

Lisa M Frehill

Energetics Technology Center

Date Written: October 31, 2011

Abstract

Diversifying the science and technology workforce in general has become an evermore pressing issue on research and policy agendas in the United States (U.S.) today. A central topic in related debates has been the critical need for qualified engineers, with particular attention to minorities as an untapped resource in relevant fields. Delineating and framing the key issues underlying this problem in terms of the broader political cultural and institutional context, we explore Minority Engineering Programs (MEPs) in U.S. colleges and universities as an intervention mechanism for increasing the production of engineering degrees among underrepresented minorities. To that end, we outline a research agenda for pursuing an empirical specification and analysis of basic conditions, strategic processes, and organizational relationships relative to MEP practices and structures aimed at affecting demographic patterns of occupational representation and success in engineering.

Suggested Citation

McNeely, Connie L. and Frehill, Lisa M, Assessing U.S. Minority Engineering Programs: Outline of a Research Agenda (October 31, 2011). GMU School of Public Policy Research Paper No. 2011-25, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1951926 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1951926

Connie L. McNeely (Contact Author)

George Mason University - School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs ( email )

4400 University Dr., MS 3B1
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
United States

Lisa M Frehill

Energetics Technology Center ( email )

10400 O'Donnell Place
Suite 200
Waldorf, MD 20601
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.etcmd.com

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