Non-curricular activities help african american students and alumni develop engineer of 2020 traits: A quantitative look

Abstract

This research lays a foundation for understanding the unique experiences of African American engineering students and alumni who participate in non-curricular activities. Three noncurricular activities were examined for the scope of this study: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Black Greek Organizations (BGOs), and Minority Engineering Programs (MEPs). This study demonstrates the value of these three activities by quantifying participants' perceptions on how involvement in these organizations aid the development of traits named in the National Academy of Engineering's Engineer of 2020 report. Statistical analysis of data from over 250 student and alumni participants, from across the US, reveal that participants perceive each organization to make a statistically significant contribution to the development of at least one Engineer of 2020 trait. Results of this study provide leaders and advisors of these programs and organizations with empirical data that can be used to advocate for funding and institutional support. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2014.