Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona has launched a new program called eCAMINOS, aimed at helping engineering students recognize their strengths and potential. Funded by nearly $2.5 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the initiative began in fall 2024 at the Tucson and Yuma campuses. The program's name, "camino," means "path" in Spanish, reflecting its goal to create pathways for students in engineering.

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella emphasized the importance of mentoring students: "One of the most important things we do as Arizona's flagship land-grant university is to mentor students in ways that inspire them and help them realize their own potential." He added that eCAMINOS would open pathways for more students to pursue their goals and prepare them for impactful careers.

Project lead Vignesh Subbian explained that asset-based thinking promotes student success but noted, "But little is known about how to do it longitudinally, throughout the student's engineering program. This project helps us do that."

The NSF grant supports scholarships and research into a model combining strengths-based mentoring with portfolio development. Ann Shivers-McNair, a researcher involved in the study, said they hope transformation will occur within student cohorts as they share experiences.

Sixty percent of the award funds scholarships for undergraduates over five to six years. Up to 50 students will receive up to $15,000 annually. Sam Peffers from Yuma's engineering programs stated, "This grant gives students a single source that fills unmet needs."

Students in eCAMINOS create portfolios showcasing classroom work and life experiences. Subbian said these portfolios help students reflect on their engineering identities: "When students are ready for their careers, they have these portfolios that say, 'This is what I did in engineering; this is who I am.'"

Faculty are partnering with Arizona employers to establish internships for third-year program participants. NSF and Intel Corp. also collaborate on providing semiconductor-specific resources.

Peffers expects participation in eCAMINOS will help overcome psychological barriers: "Sometimes, students are challenged to visualize themselves in engineering."

The remaining NSF funds support research into increasing student retention and placement in high-demand careers. Findings will be shared regionally through Hispanic-Serving Institutions and nationally through education societies.

Marla Franco highlighted the importance of supporting transfer students: "Supporting students from Yuma is also of great priority as an HSI."

David W. Hahn noted that eCAMINOS aligns with the university's land-grant mission: "Engineering education is fundamental to the health and prosperity of Arizona's people."

This award was provided by NSF under Grant No. 2322673.