For Immediate Release
July 19, 2024
Atlanta – Nearly 30 incoming freshman students from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College have embarked on their engineering journeys through the Atlanta University Center Consortium’s Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP) by participating in a six-week immersive Summer Bridge program. This initiative serves as a beacon of excellence, aiming to diversify the field of engineering.
The Summer Bridge program offers a rigorous introduction to the engineering curriculum at the AUC, leadership opportunities, and insights into engineering careers. It also familiarizes students with the Atlanta University Center institutions and the overall college experience.
Starting from the 2024-25 academic year, AUCC Dual Degree Engineering students will have the opportunity to earn a BS/MS degree through the pathway established by the Consortium’s newly formed Institute for Dual Degree Engineering Advancement (IDEA). Students who complete the Summer Bridge program, alongside the incoming freshman class, are eligible for consideration and scholarships. Only five students will be selected to begin the program through this pathway.
The mission of IDEA, in alignment with the AUCC’s longstanding DDEP program, is “to increase the number of dual degree engineering graduates from the AUC and nationally, equipping them for successful engineering careers, fostering strong engineering identities, and empowering them to make a positive impact on society and their communities.”
Throughout the summer, students attended classes in Pre-Calculus, Computer Science, and Introduction to Engineering. They also participated in industry tours of prominent engineering companies in Atlanta, networking with professionals and learning about career opportunities. Additionally, students engaged in targeted workshops at Camp Wanderland, where they enhanced their practical skills and knowledge in agricultural engineering and conservation practices as part of a USDA grant-funded initiative.
Students received academic credit for each of the courses taken in the summer program, totaling ten (10) credit hours toward their degrees at their respective AUC institutions.
During the program’s closing ceremony, several instructors commended the students’ tenacity and engagement throughout the six-week program. Dr. Christopher Ellis, Director for the Institute of Dual Degree Engineering Advancement, remarked, “The achievements of students in the 2024 AUCC-DDEP Summer Bridge Program underscore the program’s pivotal role in fostering academic success and personal growth. By providing essential support and a nurturing environment, it equips students with the skills and confidence to excel, highlighting the profound impact of dedicated educational initiatives.”
