|
SC ATE recommends the following recruitment strategy to increase enrollment in engineering technology programs.
Seek grant funding for scholarships that target engineering technology. Unique scholarships and associated benefits will help differentiate your program from others. The Tech Stars program at Florence-Darlington Technical College is a successful example of this strategy. The loan-to-own laptop computer feature of this scholarship program is resulting in higher enrollments and more full-time students in the target majors.
Tech Stars Scholarship Program is funded by a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to Florence-Darlington Technical College. The award is for students enrolled in the curriculum full-time seeking an associate degree in Engineering Technology or Computer Technology. Typical awards are for:
- Tuition
- Books
- Computer technology certification fees
- Loan-to-own laptop computers
|
| Download the PDF
|
|
|
Who is Eligible?
- Full-time students
- Computer Technology or Engineering Technology majors
- Demonstrated financial need
- 3.0 GPA / B average (High School or College)
|
|
 |
How do I apply?
- Click here to fill out a FAFSA application for establishing financial eligibility, or go to www.fdtc.edu, "need money," then "apply now".
- Click here to complete the FDTC scholarship application online, or go to www.fdtc.edu, keyword Tech Stars.
|
| Additional Info:
|
| Tech Stars must agree to:
|
|
- Attend the Tech Stars' college orientation
- Meet with faculty advisor each semester
- Use tutoring services or work with a mentor weekly if recommended by faculty member or if on probation.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA (or regain a 3.0 GPA following a one semester probationary period if GPA has dipped below 3.0.)
|
|
| Tech Stars must agree to:
|
|
- Enroll in courses as outlined for major
- Be prepared to attend at least one summer semester
|
|
|
| Loan-to-Own Laptop:
|
|
- Tech Stars completing one or more semesters at FDTC in a designated associate degree program with a 3.0 or greater GPA are eligible to participate.
- Tech Stars must agree to the terms of loan of a laptop computer.
- Tech Stars use "loaned" laptop computers while students. Ownership becomes possible with graduation. (Completion of Associate Degree)
|
|
|
|
For more information contact:
Tressa Gardner
843.661.8559
Patressa.Gardner@fdtc.edu
|
|
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0422405 and 0806514. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
|
