COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s College of Engineering hopes to recruit more minority students before they even step foot on campus.

There are 7,717 undergraduate students enrolled in the college, but only 9.9% are considered to be an underrepresented minority. In that 9.9% is second-year student, Steve Wilson, an out-of-state student from Chicago. 

Wilson knew he wanted to be an engineer since he was a sophomore in high school. While he felt his high school prepared him the best they could, he was still anxious about navigating coursework and building a community of mentors that could help him along the way.

“It kind of feels lonely,” said Wilson. “You kind of feel sometimes vulnerable, especially when you don’t understand certain concepts, you don’t always feel as comfortable reaching out to the person that’s next to you asking for help."

OSU’s PREFACE program was able to put a lot of Wilson’s concerns at ease. The Pre-First Year Academic Education and Career Engagement Program takes minority students looking to major in engineering and pairs them with students and faculty currently in the college. The summer program gives students study tips, course load management skills and lifelong mentors. Wilson said without the program he wouldn’t be the student he is today.

“I’m actually breaking down coursework,” said Wilson. “Mastering the concepts instead of just learning so you can get a good grade on the test for the meantime."

With help from mentors, Wilson has achieved internships and leadership opportunities, interning at the aerospace company, Boeing, this summer. He hopes to take what he has learned over the years and give it to the next class of incoming freshmen.

“I like to see people like me in these positions as well,” said Wilson. “I feel like we’re all stronger together so if I can help somebody behind me get to a place where I’m at right now, I feel like that’s my duty to do."

The PREFACE Program is accepting applications until April 15 for this summer’s cohort.