Wilbur Wright College Center of Excellence for Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering has been named one of the 2021 Inspiring STEM programs in the country by INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine.
“Our engineering programs rigorously prepare a wonderful group of diverse students to take their knowledge to the next level and achieve their engineering goals whether it’s helping high schoolers get ready for college-level math, helping our students transfer to a 4-year college or university, or getting that first important job in engineering,” said David Potash, President of Wilbur Wright College.
With this award, INSIGHT Into Diversity recognizes the effort and mission that Wright has undertaken to empower underrepresented groups and women to succeed in Wright’s engineering program. More than 80 percent of students enrolled in Wright’s engineering program are Latinx or Black. Twenty-five percent are women.
Wright College received this award, in part, for serving high school learners and community college students. INSIGHT Into Diversity stated, “…[Wright’s] engineering program’s approach to increasing diversity is grounded on equitable practices that strive to alleviate academic, financial, social, and other barriers; increase belonging to the college and the profession; and develop self-efficacy. Student supports include a summer bridge program for those who are underprepared to succeed in engineering education as well as the use of the holistic and programmatic approach for transfer (HPAT) model to guide students on the path to a four-year degree.”
I am immensely proud of the work we are doing in the Engineering and Computer Science Engineering department. We are empowering the next generation of engineers of color and women. When supported, they can do the work and with excellence,” said Doris Espiritu, Executive Director, Engineering Program and Professor of Chemistry at Wright College. “This work is made possible through the National Science Foundation Hispanic Serving Institution research grant, and we are truly grateful for their full support.”
Students who successfully complete Wright’s Engineering program can seamlessly transfer to Illinois Institute of Technology, Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois at Chicago, or University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign engineering programs. To read more about all the winners of this award, visit INSIGHT Into Diversity. For more information about Wright’s engineering programs, click here or email wrightengineering@ccc.edu.
City Colleges of Chicago is committed to and supports equitable industry access and community mobility through education. For information about City Colleges of Chicago and to register, visit ccc.edu/apply or call 773-COLLEGE.
