Retention

IECE offers several scholarship opportunities for incoming and current racially and ethically diverse (RED) students, thanks to state and federal funding as well as our corporate sponsors. Explore the scholarship opportunities and if you have any questions, please let us know!


The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program (COFSP) is a State of Ohio initiative designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) disciplines and STEMM education. 

Funding through Choose Ohio First (COF) provides competitive scholarships that aid in meeting college costs while giving awarded scholars expanded and unique mentorship and programming opportunities in their discipline. 

About Choose Ohio First

Group of students standing on staircase holding up their certificate of accommodations from the Governor and Lt. Governor of Ohio.

Students receiving accommodations from the Governor and Lt. Governor of Ohio.

COF is part of a strategic effort to retain Ohio residents and bolster Ohio’s economic strength by ensuring a ready workforce for STEMM-related industries.

The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement (IECE) within the College of Engineering and Applied Science strives to empower individuals to transform their lives and achieve their highest potential by offering programs, services and scholarships that will enhance learning and lead to success.  COF is a major initiative of IECE and works collaboratively with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Allied Health to provide dynamic student engagement.  The engagement is a targeted effort to produce an ethnically, gender, and economically diverse group of scholars trained to excel in the STEMM disciplines via industry or academia upon graduation.

Scholars in the program:

  • Complete semester academic progress reports
  • Conduct STEMM community engagement service
  • Participate in monthly group social activities and workshops
  • Author reflective writing exercises
  • Receive program coaching
  • Develop ePortfolios of scholarship requirements 

The E3 Program is a comprehensive, nationally respected program which seeks to increase the number of Racially and Ethnically Diverse (RED) students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) while helping such students achieve excellence in college and beyond. The program includes several pre-college outreach programs, as well as campus-wide recruitment and retention activities.

Why is the E3 program valuable?

E3 participants in CEAS have an overall graduation rate higher than the national average, and was recently ranked in the top 50 institutions nationally for number of African-American baccalaureate engineering graduates. E3 students will have access to the following opportunities:
 
  • Marathon Petroleum Scholars
  • Co-op and Professional Development preparation
  • Coaching support
  • Engineering Scholarship support
  • Canvas Community with resources
  • Industry networking events
  • Recognition at IECE Banquet
  • Graduation stoles

To be eligible for the E3 program, students will:

  • Participate in monthly socials and talks/workshops
  • Maintain satisfactory academic standing in the college

Elements of E3 Participation

  • IECE Workshops & Events
  • Industry Talks & Events
  • IECE Social events
  • Student group or professional society participation
  • Community engagement events

Incentives for E3 Participation

  • Access to E3 Canvas Community
  • Invitations to exclusive industry networking events
  • Individualized coaching
  • Recognition at the end-of-the-year banquet & graduation stoles 
  • Scholarship eligibility

Summary of E3 Tiers

Students must submit an interest survey prior to starting tier progress, and students must complete an exit survey in order to complete a tier. Students can submit the exit survey via the E3 Canvas Community. If you are a COF/LSAMP Scholar and/or have completed the Summer STEM Bridge Program, you are automatically enrolled in our E3 program.

Student

This is the first tier and could be ideal for students with limited time or who are interested in seeing what E3 is all about. Students who complete the E3 Student tier will receive an E3 graduation stole and will be recognized at the IECE end-of-the-year banquet. Must complete 50 activity points per year (250 total). 

Scholar

The E3 Scholar tier is the intermediate tier available through E3. Students wanting to get involved in student groups could benefit from completing this tier. Students who complete the E3 Scholar tier will receive an E3 graduation stole and will be recognized at the IECE end-of-the-year banquet. E3 Scholars will also receive exclusive invitations to industry networking events. Must complete 100 activity points per year (500 total). 

Fellow

The E3 Fellow tier is the most intensive tier available through E3. Students interested in completing the E3 mentoring program could benefit from completing this tier. This tier provides more flexibility in creating your own experience through community engagement. Students who complete the E3 Fellow tier will receive an E3 graduation stole and will be recognized at the IECE end-of-the-year banquet. E3 Fellows will also receive exclusive invitations to industry networking events and will be the first considered for 4th and 5th year scholarship opportunities. Must complete 150 activity points per year (750 total).

The University of Cincinnati is one of ten universities in the Ohio participating in the National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), first awarded in 2014 and renewed in 2018, it is designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented students who earn STEM degrees and continue on to graduate school.

LSAMP at UC

The University of Cincinnati LSAMP site provides an educational environment to meet the three goals, academic integration, social integration, and professionalization of the LSAMP program. Students from Arts & Science, Allied Health, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science participate in the program.

  • All LSAMP Scholars participate in the Dr. Edward N. Prather Summer Bridge Program, a seven-week residential program that seeks to enhance their academic preparedness for the freshman year.  The scholars are required to participate in a series of academic year student success activities and programs.
  • The College of Arts and Sciences graduated 7 LSAMP scholars from the first cohort in 2014. Two of the CEAS scholars graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned several awards including the Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence.
  • All LSAMP Scholars are offered the opportunity to live together in University’s Impact House for the freshman year.  Scholars are required to participate in STEM related community engagement activities during the summer bridge and the academic year. 

Eligible Majors

Engineering & Applied Science
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Architecture Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
Arts & Sciences/Allied Health
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geology
  • Math
  • Neuroscience

Summer Bridge is a selective six-week residential program that enhances academic preparedness for your first year! Scholars participate in a series of student success activities and programs. It ranges from students taking a course for credit, to learning how to study for their STEM majors, to creating community amongst each other. 

Group of Summer Bridge students posing in front of a building

Program Objectives

Image of Summer Bridge students
  • Assist students in developing critical thinking skills for self-assessment in identifying their strengths and needed areas of improvement as related to their academic and professional development.
  • Build a community of learners with the goal of academic excellence by preparing students for the expectations and requirements of the engineering curriculum.
  • Facilitate student acclimation to college life for a successful transition from high school to college.
  • Introduce students to prospective co-op employers through annual field trips to GE Aerospace, Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon, Inc., Procter & Gamble, and the Kroger Co.
  • Provide students with professional development skills and a connection to E3 alumni through interaction with industry partners.
  • After the successful completion of the program, students are placed into a learning community for their first year, along with opportunities for scholarships. 
Image of Summer Bridge students

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Application closes on March 22, 2024
  • Applicants will be notified of decisions on April 26, 2024
  • Admitted students must confirm or deny attendance by May 5
  • Dates for Summer Bridge are June 17- July 26
  • On-campus housing will be provided to students for the duration of the program
  • Cost of attendance: $550
    •     Includes:
      • Housing
      • Meals
      • Campus Recreation Pass
      • Parking Pass 

Apply for 2024 Dr. Prather Summer Bridge Program here! Please contact Andi Talbott with any questions. 

Headshot of Andrea Gabrielle Talbott

Andrea Gabrielle Talbott

Program Coordinator, CEAS - Incl Excellence & Comm Engagmnt

Baldwin Hall

513-556-1164

four women students post on steps

The Sophomore Summer Leadership Program hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence & Community Engagement.

We have developed a 7-week residential opportunity for up to 6 students to enhance their leadership skills. Successful candidates will be hired for up to 20 hours a week to be a TA for one of the science or math Summer Bridge classes. All students will work with community engagement for at least 10 hours. SLS's will participate in weekly leadership seminars that will build up to a final poster presentation as well as work hands-on with incoming Summer Bridge students with tutoring and event planning.

ALL Scholars selected will be apart of the IECE Ambassador Program during the academic year. Additional training, TA and event support will be offered on the non-Co-op semester.

The Sophomore Summer Leadership Program hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence & Community Engagement.

We have developed a 7-week residential opportunity for up to 6 students to enhance their leadership skills. Successful candidates will be hired for up to 20 hours a week to be a TA for one of the science or math Summer Bridge classes. All students will work with community engagement for at least 10 hours. SLS's will participate in weekly leadership seminars that will build up to a final poster presentation as well as work hands-on with incoming Summer Bridge students with tutoring and event planning.

ALL Scholars selected will be apart of the IECE Ambassador Program during the academic year. Additional training, TA and event support will be offered on the non co-op semester.

Application Requirements

  • Previous Summer Bridge participant or rising sophomore student in a STEM major
  • To be a TA- achieved a B or better in Math and/or Science classes
  • Completed application & interview

Benefits

  • Weekly Leadership Seminar
  • TA Experience in Math or Science Summer Bridge Program
  • Up to 20 hours student worker payment for 7 weeks (paid bi-weekly)
  • Campus Housing and Meal plan

Women in Engineering offers programs, events, and support for students considering engineering at the University of Cincinnati and current students here at UC. From professional to social events, we're here to empower women in engineering and applied science—WIE Support. WIE Succeed. WIE Empower. 

Student using a mechanical engineering item in the pinball lab

Programs are designed for women and girls but open to students of any gender identity.

Upcoming Events

  • Stay tuned for 2023-2024 events!

WIE Mentorship Program

The Five Star Mentorship Program provides a mentoring structure to assist first-year women engineering students to identify career paths, foster professional growth, and increase collaboration and networking opportunities.

The mentor and mentee will participate in three Women in Engineering Professional Development events hosted by our office in November, January, and March, and three personal meetings of their choosing, scheduled along with the mentee. Participants will also attend the WIE Kick Off Event and the Mentorship Program Closing Reception.  

Groups & Organizations

The Rowe Women's Center

The Rowe Women’s Center, funded by the Brian H. and Jill P. Rowe Foundation, provides a focal point for women engineering students to access support and resources for success in class, on co-op assignments, and in their future careers.  Room 658 in Baldwin Hall, is a designated space for students to meet. The center coordinates with existing programs in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, the University, and the broader community to support students through:

  • Tutoring and mentoring activities
  • Service opportunities, such as outreach to elementary, middle, and high school girls to encourage and inform them about careers in engineering.
  • Networking with other campus women’s groups, local business groups, and national programs
  • Financial support to send several women from the CEAS student body to national professional engineering conferences.

Other Scholarships

  • Marathon Petroleum Scholars
  • Messer Inclusive Excellence Fund
  • P&G Inclusive Excellence Fund

Scholarship Information

Students who participate in the Summer Bridge Program (with link to summer bridge page here) and Emerging Ethnic Engineers (E3) (with link to E3 page here) are all eligible to receive scholarship awards. Thank you to our corporate sponsors who support our student’s professional development, co-op success, and academic excellence.

Questions? Contact us!