ENGAGING WITH ENGINEERING
GIVING YOUTH HANDS-ON AND REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES
MAKING ENGINEERING ACCESSIBLE TO ALL AGE GROUPS
College of Engineering

Inspiring the Future of Engineering

FIRST Program Affiliation at NC A&T State University

 North Carolina A&T State University proudly serves as the Affiliate Partner (AP) for the internationally recognized FIRST® robotics programs—FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLL Challenge) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). As the regional hub for these initiatives, A&T is responsible for the strategic growth and coordination of both programs, which are managed within the College of Engineering under the leadership of Dr. Kory Bennett, Director for Robotics Outreach. Through this partnership, A&T empowers students across North Carolina to engage in hands-on STEM learning and robotics innovation. Research shows that FIRST participants are three times more likely to develop a sustained interest in STEM fields compared to their peers, with positive impacts observed across all demographics—regardless of race, gender, income, or community type.

Director of STEM Engagement

Dr. Kory Bennett talks at the FIRST competition
Under the leadership of Dr. Kory Bennett, Director for STEM Engagement in the College of Engineering, A&T is the primary contact for the region, driving the strategic growth of these programs and ensuring students across NC have access to hands-on STEM experiences.

STEM Engagement in Action: COE & Across the Street Host Ray Warren Homes Students for The Martin Tour

AECE Across the Street Outreach

The College of Engineering STEM Engagement Team, in collaboration with The Across the Street Organization, proudly hosted students from the Ray Warren Homes for an engaging visit to the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research & Innovation Complex.

This special event, known as The Martin Tour, offered students a firsthand look at cutting-edge engineering research and innovation happening at NC A&T. It was a powerful opportunity to spark curiosity, build connections, and inspire future STEM leaders.

Group picture of STEM Outreach in COE
Igniting Young Minds in the NC A&T Innovation Lab

Aggies of Engineering and Student Enrichment (AECE)

 

About 

Aggies for Engineering and Community Enrichment (AECE)
Our Mission
The mission of AECE is to inspire undergraduate students to become positive contributors to   the growth of our ever-evolving technological society. We focus on the development of students’ social capacities, technical knowledge, research proficiency, and leadership skills.
This mission is accomplished by engaging students in activities that build science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, while fostering teamwork, self-confidence, and community outreach. AECE creates opportunities for students to learn, collaborate, and grow as future leaders in engineering and technology.
What We Offer

  • Hands-on STEM workshops and skill-building sessions

  • Leadership and professional development programs

  • Research and mentorship opportunities

  • Community outreach and service initiatives

  • Networking events with industry partners and alumni

  • Student-led innovation projects and challenges

Stay Connected
For more information about AECE, including upcoming events, opportunities, and news:
👉 Click here to view our newsletter  AECE Newsletter
Contact Information

45

Total Students Enrolled with a strong emphasis on underrepresented racial and gender minorities

Interactive Hands-on activities, games and projects

Fun Assessments to strengthen students' understanding of the concepts, knowledge and skills