The ESTEEM (Enhanced Support in Technology Entrepreneurship for Engineering Majors) program provides financial, academic and social support to first-generation college students enrolled in engineering or computer science. Four cohorts of 10 juniors are selected in the Fall quarter for four consecutive academic years. Each Scholar has strong academic potential, financial need, and a desire to complement their technical training with entrepreneurship/leadership skills. The overall objective of the ESTEEM program is to increase the completion rate of engineering degrees and promote successful transitions to careers in engineering and related fields by low-income first-generation college students. The students are provided scholarships, tutoring, community-building, networking events, and assistance with graduate school and employment applications. In addition, ESTEEM Scholars have the opportunity to act as peer-mentors for lower-division engineering students, to undertake summer internships in a research lab or in industry, and to attend a professional meeting.
