LIFT Engineering

The LIFT Engineering program is designed to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in engineering and computer science. LIFT participants will be supported as they become successful college students; assisted in selecting majors and transfer institutions; and encouraged as they establish professional networks.

Who can participate?

Applicants must be incoming freshmen for the fall term and be willing and able to begin their college experience in summer.

They must be a member of one or more of the following underrepresented populations in engineering:

Identify as a woman
Be Latinx
Be Black
Be Native American or Alaskan native
Have a disability
Be low income

Students should be ready for college-level work with a high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, but they need not place into calculus for consideration.

They must also be enthusiastic about pursuing bachelor’s level degrees in one of the engineering disciplines or computer science.

Application Process

Step 1: Apply to Harper College. You may do this any time prior to completing the LIFT Engineering application. Please make note of the ID number (or H-number because it will start with H00) that you are assigned. You will need it for the additional steps.

Step 2: Obtain a copy of your high school transcripts. They must include your 7th semester (first term of your senior year) grades. These will be uploaded with your LIFT application as a PDF. Have this prepared in advance.

Step 3: Take a screen capture or create a PDF of your SAT (or ACT) scores if you have taken one of these tests. The test scores are an optional part of the application, but if you have the scores, they would be helpful in evaluating your application.

Step 4: Read the essay prompts and prepare your responses in advance. You will not be able to return to your application or edit it after you submit it, so you must prepare and write your answers before working on the application.

Essay 1: Why have you chosen to pursue a degree in engineering? Which engineering discipline do you currently think interests you the most and why?

Essay 2 (choose only ONE of the following):

Option A: Describe an occasion when you experienced a failure or made a mistake. How did it make your feel? How did you respond to it? What did you learn from it or do differently now because you had this experience?

Option B: Describe a time when you accomplished more than you thought you could. How did you feel? What did you learn about yourself? How have you changed because of that accomplishment?

Essay 3 (optional): Is there anything else that you would like to tell the admissions committee that you believe is important in evaluating your application?

Step 5: Access the LIFT application and submit your responses. The application is open through Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

What are LIFT Engineering’s program features?

All students will complete a LIFT-only summer course focusing on the transition to college and the skills needed to be a successful engineering student.
LIFT Engineering is a faculty-designed and coordinated program.
LIFT Engineering students will be assigned to the same Harper advisor for the duration of their enrollment.
Students will have regular cohort meetings with the faculty mentor and the advisor keep students on track.
Students are required to complete on-campus study hours. Staying on-campus to complete work builds good study habits, enhances relationships with other students, and gives better access to faculty office hours.
Each participant is required to participate in at least one student organization to explore interests beyond class work and establish community.
Work is in progress to involve local engineering firms to provide mentoring, job shadowing, site tours, etc. for LIFT participants.

If you have questions, please contact the LIFT Engineering coordinator at LIFT@harpercollege.edu.