2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computing Studies (SEECS) program, funded by an NSF S-STEM grant, delivers engineering solutions that tackle community challenges while providing students with opportunities for professional and personal development while demonstrating their technical skills. This study evaluates the program’s impact from a stakeholder perspective, focusing on the contributions of SEECS projects to community, organizations, and student growth. Through surveys of internal (university resources) and external stakeholders (community partners), the investigators assess the professionalism, technical expertise, and tangible outcomes delivered by SEECS scholars. Additionally, the study examines the program’s broader value, including its effects on organizational efficiency, community improvement, and its alignment with the university’s mission. By understanding the factors driving continued collaboration and the perceived benefits of the SEECS projects, this paper aims to share a road map to building a successful collaborative program that positively impacts both the community and partner organizations.

The paper concludes by sharing a framework for building a program that maximizes the use of existing resources, further enhancing the SEECS programs broader impact and effectiveness. This approach serves as a framework for other institutions of higher education interested in developing similar initiatives that contribute to both student growth and community development.