The LIONS Bridge Program is an exciting initiative aimed at increasing diversity in engineering. This innovative summer bridge program will provide strong support to incoming students from historically excluded groups, making engineering education more inclusive and accessible, specifically for students who are:

• Black or African American
• American Native or Alaska Native
• Hispanic American
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

We are here to support these engineering students by providing financial support and academic support during the early stages of their academic careers. Through this program, participants will receive:

1. Two introductory courses (MA 115 & EG 101)
2. Tutoring
3. Mentorship from peers, faculty, and industry professionals
4. Engaging activities such as field trips and community service
   
   

These efforts will help students feel more confident and prepared as they begin and continue through their engineering studies. By addressing the need for diversity in engineering education, this project will work to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed. With tailored support and a welcoming environment, the program will improve recruitment and retention rates of underrepresented students in engineering.

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and offered at the University of North Alabama (UNA). The grant provides academic support services for a specific demographic and is intended to recruit and provide outreach through a bridge program. This summer bridge project aligns with the NSF’s goals of the Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program. By supporting research in the professional formation of engineers and fostering a more diverse engineering workforce, this initiative contributes to broader societal progress and aligns with NSF’s commitment to an innovative and inclusive engineering profession.