Accessing Engineering Data Systems in North Carolina
GrantID: 11463
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Barriers to Tracking Engineering Graduates in North Carolina
North Carolina encounters significant challenges in tracking the progress of engineering graduates from underrepresented backgrounds. Despite the state hosting several well-regarded engineering schools like North Carolina State University and UNC Charlotte, data on employment outcomes and retention rates for these graduates remains fragmented and inadequately analyzed. According to a 2021 report, only 40% of engineering graduates from underrepresented backgrounds remained in engineering-related jobs after three years, a stark contrast to their peers. This tracking gap hinders targeted interventions necessary for supporting these graduates’ pathways into successful careers.
Who Faces Barriers in North Carolina?
The primary groups affected by these tracking deficiencies are engineering graduates from historically marginalized backgrounds, specifically women, African Americans, and Latino populations. Many of these graduates return to their communities seeking meaningful contributions, yet face systemic barriers such as lack of mentorship and limited networking opportunities. Additionally, educational institutions often lack the resources to maintain robust connections with alumni, which is essential for understanding their career trajectories and addressing barriers to retention.
How Funding Addresses Tracking Deficiencies
The funding program aims to establish comprehensive data systems that actively monitor the progress and career outcomes of engineering graduates from underrepresented backgrounds in North Carolina. By investing in systems that facilitate data collection and analysis, this initiative will enable educators and policymakers to identify trends, pinpoint obstacles, and develop targeted interventions that improve retention rates and job placement outcomes. The initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach, engaging universities, industry partners, and community organizations in the data collection process to ensure that the data reflects true outcomes.
Fit Assessment for North Carolina's Context
Organizations and institutions applying for this funding must demonstrate a clear commitment to equity and inclusion in their data tracking initiatives. Applicants will be required to outline their current data collection practices, articulate the challenges they face, and present a strategy for enhancing their tracking capabilities. Successful applications will likely involve interdisciplinary teams that incorporate expertise from engineering, education, and social sciences, ensuring a holistic approach to tracking outcomes. By improving these systems, North Carolina positions itself to better understand and address the barriers faced by underrepresented engineering graduates, ultimately leading to a more equitable workforce.
In conclusion, establishing effective data systems for tracking engineering graduates is essential in creating pathways to success for North Carolina's diverse talent pool. Through targeted funding and innovative solutions, the state can begin to close the gaps that have persisted for far too long.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
