A student mentoring and development program for underrepresented groups in engineering

The graduate, undergraduate initiative for development and enhancement (GUIDE) program creates a supportive environment for first year engineering students from underrepresented groups. This 4 year NSF program has just completed its second year of funding. GUIDE provides first year students with student mentors, financial assistance and faculty advisors to assist them with the transition to university life. In addition, the GUIDE scholars attend engineering seminars and career workshops. This paper describes the GUIDE program and the skills students gain from participating in the program. It also outlines the logistics involved in a student mentoring program that is coupled with seminars and workshops.