The UCLA School of Engineering and Applied Science is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented ethnic minorities graduating from the school. Since 1983 CUES has provided opportunities for high-achieving African American, American Indian, and Latino students to excel academically and professionally. CUES's purpose is to increase the number of these students who receive undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering. The Freshman Engineering Course examines the impact of engineering on society, explores engineering disciplines and their applications, and addresses topics such as time management, group dynamics, and leadership. The PDP Academic Excellence Workshop is an intensive honors-type program which assists freshman and sophomore students in mastering accelerated course material in calculus, chemistry, and physics.
Workshops are highly interactive and encourage a collaborative approach to problem solving .
Academic Advising and Counseling are provided in the selection of course combinations, professors, and course loads. CUES staff members meet regularly with students to assess progress and discuss individual concerns. Tutoring and review sessions are provided in upper division engineering courses. Other services include summer and permanent job placement and assistance. MEP students are teamed in common class sections to facilitate group study and successful academic excellence workshops.