For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2026
Press Contact: Teresa D. Southern
Atlanta University Center Consortium- Manager of Communications, Marketing & Events
Tsouthern@aucenter.edu, 478-320-7753
Atlanta University Center Consortium Celebrates 49 Years of Diversity in STEM
ATLANTA – As we steadily move forward in an era where diversity initiatives face increasing challenges, the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) continues to exemplify a steadfast commitment to cultivating diverse talent in STEM fields. The AUCC’s Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP) who stands as a beacon of this commitment, celebrated its 49th Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This event honored the academic achievements and leadership of dual-degree engineering scholars from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, highlighting their preparedness to lead in the engineering profession and choose one of our partnering institutions from around the country to continue their engineering education.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of over $1.1 million in scholarships and internships, made possible through partnerships with corporate sponsors and the organization’s nine partnering engineering institutions in Georgia and around the country. These investments underscore the AUCC’s dedication to increasing diversity within the engineering field, having graduated more than 3,000 students through the DDEP since its inception nearly 60 years ago.
The AUCC DDEP plans to continue increasing the engineering workforce through various initiatives:
- Strengthening Corporate Partnerships: Expanding collaborations with industry leaders to provide more scholarships and internship opportunities, thereby enhancing the pipeline of diverse engineering talent.
- Community Engagement: Continuing to organize events and workshops that foster early interest and participation in engineering disciplines.
“Each year I continue to be honored to have the opportunity to help prepare the mindset of future leaders in STEM, specifically, engineering. Our students continue to be among the best and brightest, and it brings me joy to be able to share the academic accomplishments of our students with others at this annual event,” said Dr. Christoper G. Ellis, AUCC Senior Director, Institute for Dual Degree Engineering Advancement (IDEA).
Through these efforts, the AUCC reaffirms its unwavering dedication to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that empowers future leaders in engineering and beyond.
WHO: The Atlanta University Center Dual Degree Engineering Program
WHAT: 49th Annual Dual Degree Engineering Program
WHEN: Saturday, April 25th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Robert W. Woodruff Library, 111 James P. Brawley Dr. SW. 30314
For alumni of the program, please note there will be event for all AUC DDEP students. Details below:
15th Annual AUCC DDEP Alumni & Corporate Reception
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Zucot Art Gallery
Register here: Alumni & Corporate Reception: https://forms.office.com/r/DADw8U27rP
