FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The College of Engineering made large gains in enrollment this year with increases in the overall number of freshmen and the number of underrepresented students. These increases are the result of recruitment strategies enacted by the college in recent years.

The number of new freshman engineering students increased by 19 percent over the 2007-08 academic year. The number of underrepresented students entering the engineering field increased most dramatically with new African American enrollments growing by 163 percent and new women enrollments by 65 percent during this time.

The total new student, new freshman, new female and African American enrollments are at their highest levels for the past 11 years. ACT and SAT scores and high school GPAs show that these are strong students who are prepared for rigorous study.

“Nationally, the number of students entering engineering fields is decreasing each year. Bucking this national trend is a great accomplishment for the entire engineering recruitment team and our supporting faculty,” said Bryan Hill, director of undergraduate recruitment. 

Several specific recruitment strategies contributed to this growth.

The Engineering Career Awareness Program introduces underrepresented students to the field of engineering. This program provides mentoring, internships and scholarships to help students throughout their college careers. Students participate in a “bridge” program in the summer between high school and college to help them prepare for the challenging first semester.

Recruiting efforts for women include the Springdale Engineering Girls Camp program and the Girl Scout Engineering Camp. In addition, outreach programs present engineering as an inclusive field where women can – and do – thrive. Women now comprise 22 percent of the new engineering student body. This is a 6 percentage point increase from the 2007-08 academic year.

Middle school engineering outreach programs that began in 2003 introduce students to the field of engineering in the classroom and in engineering camps that allow young students to experience hands-on activities. These activities help students envision a potential future as an engineer. The programs also familiarize students at an early age with the academic preparation that is needed for the field.

The College of Engineering has already edged to within 1.6 percent of its 2010 enrollment goal. An increase of only nine students will push the college past the 2010 goal.