Launched in the summer of 2005 in the College of Engineering, the Engineering Academic Boot Camp was developed to improve the transition of underrepresented engineering students into the majority campus culture. Former MEP assistant director Allene Manning was tasked to condense a full semester of work into a non-credit bearing five-week simulation of the first semester engineering experience at Purdue.

Embracing the best practices of learning communities, engineering students were required to live, study and have classes together in preparation for global competition in the fall.

In 2006, the College of Science and the Purdue Polytechnic Institute adopted the EABC model. The College of Agriculture was later included. Each area designed its camps to align with the needs of its college. The Engineering Academic Boot Camp has demonstrated the importance of transition of underrepresented minorities into a majority institution in achieving first-semester performance and first-year retention in engineering.

2025 Program Dates

TBD

What grades are accepted into EABC?

EABC is for incoming first-year students accepted to Purdue.

What do you do in Engineering Academic Boot Camp?

Participants will:

  • Gain priority access to MEP residential learning community 
  • Take First-Year Engineering (FYE) academic simulation courses (non-credit - Calculus and Chemistry)
  • Earn 9 university credit hours:
    • HONRS120 (3) - Intro to Research Planning
    • ENGL106 (4) First-Year Composition OR COM114 (3) - Fundamentals of Speech Communication (Only students entering Purdue with AP/Dual credit in Language/Composition will take COM114)
    • VIP (2) - Engineering MILESTONES programming, Arduino and smart watch or drone project
    • Engage with industry partners
    • Participate in professional development seminars
    • Visit engineering laboratories and facilities
    • Build campus community and network with peers, faculty, staff and alumni
    • Become familiar with the campus and surrounding community

Information on cost, how to pay and scholarships

Tuition and room and board:

Tuition and room and board for EABC, valued at nearly $10,000 for out-of-state and $5,000 for in-state students, cover pre-selected courses offered for the summer, room and board, and engineering fees. In collaboration with the Emerging Leaders (EL) Scholars Program, MEP works to maximize student success and will provide full scholarships for EABC participants to cover the program costs (excluding the registration fee).

Registration fee:

The Minority Engineering Program requires a $1,500 registration fee for all EABC participants. The registration fee is separate from the program fees outlined above; it covers the incurred cost of simulation activities, engagement activities and other administrative expenses needed to run the summer program. The registration fee is included in the EL program's scholarship package for EL participants.

Fees do not include:

  • Travel to and from Purdue University
  • The cost of textbooks (note: the approximate cost of textbooks is $500, and the purchased textbooks for the program will be the same required textbooks for first-year coursework.)

Fall residence hall assignments:

Housing provided during EABC is solely for the summer. Students and parents are responsible for signing and confirming their residence hall agreements for the regular academic year.

Scholarships:

Scholarships are available for this program.