Villanova Engineering, Science, and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) Academy

The Villanova 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.

On-Campus

Seven Saturdays from January to March, Villanova faculty, staff and students mentor these primarily low-income, underserved students from Philadelphia and the surrounding communities. Activities take place in Villanova 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.