Comprehensive framework for significantly increasing the number of highly trained engineers: A model academic success and professional development (ASAP) class - Lessons learned and strategies moving forward

This paper describes a comprehensive academic success and professional development (ASAP) framework that has been developed within Arizona State University´s (ASU´s) Ira Fulton School of Engineering over the past decade. Centered around an ASAP class offered each semester, with need-based scholarships serving as incentives/facilitators, the success of the program has been tremendous - with retention and graduation rates for participating scholars exceeding their counterparts at ASU and at other universities across the nation. Program activities, lessons learned and strategies moving forward are discussed within the paper.