2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper presents third-year outcomes of the Future Leaders and Movers in Engineering and Computer Science (FLAME) program at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), funded by the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM initiative (Award No. 2221099). Drawing upon the 2024–2025 annual NSF report, independent program evaluation, and internal assessment data, the study examines how FLAME has advanced its three core goals: (1) recruitment and financial support of academically talented low-income students; (2) improvement of retention and degree completion rates in Computer Science and Engineering; and (3) development of students’ self-identification as STEM leaders through experiential learning, mentorship, and exposure to professional role models. Using mixed-methods analysis—quantitative tracking of GPA and persistence rates and qualitative content analysis of interviews and portfolios via NVivo—this paper documents a 91 percent retention rate among scholars, significant growth in leadership and technical competencies, and evidence of STEM identity formation aligned with Vygotsky’s social constructivism and role-model theory. Findings highlight the value of hands-on internships, Python workshops, and community-building seminars in fostering academic and professional resilience. Implications for S-STEM implementation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are discussed, emphasizing replicable leadership pipelines and
evidence-based assessment practices.