April 2025
IEC 2to4 Outreach & Networking Workshop Recap
The Innovative Engineering Consortium’s 2to4 Outreach & Networking Workshop, held alongside the 2025 ECEDHA Annual Conference and ECExpo, brought together a dynamic group of students from a diverse range of institutions, including Howard University, Tuskegee University, the University of Texas at El Paso, and several other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). This year's workshop attracted students from across the country, offering them a unique opportunity to explore the field of ECE while connecting with industry professionals and academic leaders.
The work of the IEC is vital in expanding access to the ECE field and ensuring a strong future for the profession. The 2025 IEC 2to4 workshop is just one example of the ongoing commitment to this mission. Through continued collaboration, the IEC helps bring more students into the ECE pipeline, empowering them to become the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders.
The workshop's central goal was to provide students who had transitioned 2-year colleges to 4-year degree programs with the tools, guidance, and inspiration to succeed in their academic and professional journeys. Students participated in various hands-on activities designed to introduce fundamental ECE concepts and engage with real-world applications. One key highlight was the development of interactive outreach activities, which are not only fun but also serve as replicable projects to engage other students in the field of ECE.
Ken Connor, an emeritus professor from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a board member of the IEC, led the workshop sessions with great enthusiasm and expertise. Dr. Connor’s guidance played a pivotal role in shaping the workshop experience. His approach to problem-solving helped students develop a deeper understanding of ECE concepts and encouraged them to think creatively about real-world applications.
As we continue to provide these opportunities, it’s essential to keep fostering environments that support students’ success during their academic journey. Key lessons from this workshop include the importance of hands-on activities in ECE outreach, the power of networking, and the role of industry collaboration in shaping the future of engineering education.We encourage department heads and faculty to consider integrating similar outreach and networking activities into their own programs, creating more pathways for to excel in ECE.
A big thank you to all the students, faculty mentors, and industry representatives who made the event a success. We look forward to continuing this important work and supporting the next generation of electrical and computer engineers.
