Leadership development often happens outside of the classroom. During this unprecedented year and beyond, it is a priority of the College of Engineering to increase involvement and engagement in student organizations and competition teams by removing any financial barriers to entry. Experiential learning through hands-on opportunities will prove to be a challenge during a hybrid academic year. However, with support our students should be able to continue to grow and adapt within the new environment.
Many students are striving to find ways to (re)engage with their world in a meaningful way. Student organizations and competitions teams provide such opportunities for engagement. Funds will be made available to any student group or individual looking to participate who has ideas to increase student participation and engagement within their organization, with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. An internal committee will award funds to groups who apply and demonstrate ways to increase participation in their organization
Examples of considerations may include developing mechanisms that will create environments that are more welcoming, supporting recruiting drives that promote the inclusions of students from diverse backgrounds, and other innovative strategies that may be developed by student groups.
Through the 2020 Bama Blitz campaign, we aim to raise funds to offset the financial barriers student organizations face when seeking to increase participation and engagement. The Capstone Engineering Society, the alumni association for the College of Engineering, has committed to matching the Bama Blitz contributions up to $5,000 in support of student leadership development and experiential learning opportunities.
