This project aims to develop a sustainable and replicable industry- academic partnership model for advanced technological education to demonstrate that such partnerships can improve retention and employment outlook of high risk Hispanic students in computerized drafting and electronics programs. This partnership project will: place students and recent graduates in related industries to provide job experience through internships; include a counseling component based on TQM concepts applied by industry; provide job- related educational experiences to additional students through visits to industries including oral/written visit preparation exercises, visit observation guide, post-visit reports; provide opportunities in industries for the professional development of faculty resulting in course content/instructional materials preparation/modification to integrate classroom learning to industry practices; and provide teaching experience to alumni who will provide follow-up to internship participants. Industries provide mentors who assist faculty in their professional development, give suggestions for instructional materials, provide group orientations related to industry-specific applications of electronics or computerized drafting, and serve as mentors to the students. A Board of Consultants, including industry members, oversees the project implementation.
