Workshop 1

The ECE-HBCU-UP Student Projects Workshop serves as a showcase of the innovative work, technical achievements, and experiential learning opportunities developed through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP). Led by the Computer Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) team, the workshop highlights the extensive efforts to train, mentor, and support university students in engineering disciplines. These students then apply the hands-on skills and knowledge gained through CERL to conduct outreach activities and provide practical STEM training to local middle and high school students.

The workshop provides students with a platform to present their projects, demonstrate their technical competencies, and share the knowledge they have gained through hands-on experiences in electronics, robotics, computer engineering, artificial intelligence, green energy, and embedded systems. By participating in real-world projects and collaborative research activities, students move beyond traditional classroom instruction and develop practical engineering skills that prepare them for graduate studies and future careers in industry, government, and academia.

Importance of Hands-On Learning and Student-Led Outreach

The Computer Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) provides students with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with real-world engineering applications. Through project-based activities, students develop practical skills in electronics, computer systems, embedded programming, autonomous technologies, troubleshooting, teamwork, and technical communication.

After receiving training and mentorship from the CERL team, these university students use their knowledge to support STEM outreach activities for local middle and high school students. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on projects, they introduce younger learners to engineering, computing, robotics, and emerging technologies.

This student-led outreach benefits both groups. University students strengthen their technical understanding, leadership, mentoring, and communication skills, while middle and high school students gain early exposure to STEM fields and learn how science and mathematics are applied to solve real-world problems.

The ECE-HBCU-UP Student Projects Workshop highlights the broader impact of NSF HBCU-UP support by showcasing student achievement, experiential learning, mentorship, and community engagement. It demonstrates how hands-on education can prepare university students for future careers while inspiring the next generation of engineers, researchers, and technology leaders.