AIM for Engineering: Lessons Learned from a K-12 Project

In 2002, the College of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin launched a three-year project funded by the GE Foundation to focus on the mathematics preparation starting at the middle school level. The project, Achievement in Mathematics for Engineering (AIM for Engineering), is designed to address a number of issues facing colleges of engineering: • Engineering enrollments nationwide are flat or declining. • Women and minorities are under-represented in engineering fields. • Many students entering engineering programs are mathematically unprepared. • Retention rates at many colleges of engineering indicate students are leaving due to the challenges of the first two years. Major thrusts of the AIM for Engineering project include a professional development program for secondary algebra and calculus teachers, development of an online database of resources, high school outreach through school and campus visits, support for first year women and minority engineering students, and ongoing evaluation. Targeting eleven Austin public schools with high populations of under-represented students, the project combines the efforts of the College’s Faculty Innovation Center, Information Technology Group, Equal Opportunity in Engineering, and Women in Engineering Program. This paper explores the challenges we have faced and provide advice on avoiding potential pitfalls. Some of the issues we examine include: • Working with local schools • Developing classroom-ready lessons • Dealing with the disengagement and departure of team members • Making adjustments to deal with unanticipated outcomes • Replication and sustainability The AIM for Engineering project is a catalyst for cooperation among participating organizations within the College. While we have experienced both successes and disappointments, we have learned many valuable lessons that can be applied to future endeavors.