The Role of Student Mentors in a Precollege Engineering Program

Abstract

Precollege Initiative for Minorities in Engineering (PRIME) is a precollege program designed to encourage African American college-bound high school graduates to pursue engineering as a career. The Tennessee Technological University program serves as a transition from high school to college life. Components of the program involve academic courses in mathematics and introductory engineering, seminars, tours, and tutorial periods. The key component of the PRIME program involves the use of undergraduate engineering students as mentors and role models for the participating students. The impact of these individuals on their younger peers plays a significant role in the success of the PRIME program.