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ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Engineering, Science, and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) Academy

ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Engineering STEM - VESTED

The ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Engineering, Science and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) program serves two primary purposes: 1) Introduces these fields to students in under-resourced communities and schools; and 2) Reaches and inspires those students who have the potential to expand our region’s and nation’s pool of future engineers.

VESTED provides students with the experience, skills and incentives to succeed in high school, transition to college, and then into the engineering and technology industry – fields which traditionally are not employing diverse populations.

ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Engineering, Science and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED)

On-Campus

Seven Saturdays from January to March, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ faculty, staff and students mentor these students from under resourced communities and schools from Philadelphia and the surrounding communities. Activities take place in ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ classrooms, labs and outdoor sites. Students are provided with an in-depth engineering experience, as well as college preparation classes, team building opportunities, and discussions with industry mentors about careers in engineering. Graduate students prepare the curriculum, which is devised so that students who come back from year to year have a new experience each time. The curriculum builds from a basic introduction to engineering in the first year to individual and team projects in the second and third years. Graduate students and undergraduates teach under the guidance of faculty.

VESTED students and their families also receive mentoring focused on the college application and financing process, as well as guidance for succeeding in college and identifying a career path.

Results
To date, more than 350 students have participated in VESTED—with impressive results. According to statistical analysis and surveys of parents and students, VESTED increases participants’ understanding of and appreciation for engineering, improves academic performance and school attendance, and increases college attendance.

The program is free to participants. VESTED provides transportation to and from campus, breakfast and lunch, lab supplies and take-home projects when available. If you or your company or organization is interested in helping to support the VESTED program, please contact Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean for Student Success and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 610-519-5439 or S.Jones@villanova.edu.

2025 Saturday Dates

  • January 18
  • January 25
  • February 1
  • February 8
  • February 22
  • March 15
  • March 22

Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

 

VESTED Student Selection Process

  1. Applications will be reviewed by November 21, 2024. 
  2. Finalists will be invited to an interview at ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ University on December 7, 2024.
  3. Shortly after the interview, students selected for the VESTED program will be notified of their acceptance.

To learn more about the College’s STEM outreach programs, contact Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean for Student Success and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 610-519-5439 or S.Jones@villanova.edu.