Center for Development, Support, and Success in Engineering and Computing

Pre-College Outreach Programs

CDSSEC leads the college’s early STEM engagement through community outreach programs designed to increase awareness, spark interest and expand access to engineering and computing for K-12 students.

• Engineers on Wheels

  Engineers on Wheels (EoW) brings hands-on science, technology, engineering and math learning directly to K–12 classrooms and community spaces across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. By meeting students where they are, EoW gives young students the chance to take part in high-quality STEM activities.

  The program sparks early interest in STEM through interactive demos, guided projects and problem-solving challenges. Sessions take place in schools, at community events and during weekend workshops. Each experience is designed to build confidence, encourage curiosity and show students how STEM connects to real-world opportunities.

  EoW also supports FIU students who serve as student assistants. These students gain hands-on experience in teaching, public outreach and program planning.

• ENLACE

  Engaging Latino Communities in Education (ENLACE) is an after-school and summer learning program funded by The Children’s Trust. The program supports Miami-Dade County Public Schools students from second grade through eighth grade. ENLACE currently serves Coral Park Elementary and Kendale Elementary.

  ENLACE focuses on students who benefit from extra academic support, including those building reading skills or facing challenges that affect learning.
  Students learn in a safe and supportive setting with small group reading help and hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and math. The program also includes digital learning, fitness and health and social-emotional learning. Daily homework help reinforces what students learn in class and gives them the support they need to succeed.

  During the summer, the program expands to offer more learning opportunities for both elementary and middle school students. High school students can intern in the program during the summer, supporting younger students while gaining leadership and real-world experience.

• FLAME

  Florida Action for More Engineering (FLAME) is a dual enrollment program between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Florida International University. Led by FIU’s Center for Development, Support, and Success in Engineering and Computing, FLAME gives high school students early access to college-level engineering courses.

  Students take real engineering courses for college credit while learning from FIU instructors and working on hands-on, real-world projects. The program also offers tutoring, lab tours, industry workshops and mentorship, helping students build confidence, explore STEM careers and prepare for college success.

  FLAME students are eligible for the FLAME Intro Micro-Scholarship, a CDSSEC-funded incentive for admitted FIU CEC undergraduates who completed the FLAME dual enrollment program, reinforcing the program’s commitment to college readiness, financial assistance and a successful transition into engineering and computing pathways.

• GEAR-UP

  Gaining Engineering Aptitude Through Real-World Projects University Prep (GEAR-UP) is an engineering immersion program that gives high school students hands-on experience in engineering. Students work on real projects in civil, environmental, mechanical and electrical engineering.

  The program runs for eight weeks on Saturdays during the fall, spring and summer. Students learn in teams, receive mentoring from FIU engineering students and end the program by presenting their projects at a showcase. GEAR-UP is offered in two tracks: GEAR Founders for grades 9–10 and GEAR Leaders for grades 11–12.

• GROW

  The Graduate Research Opportunities for Workforce Development (GROW) program expands CEC’s undergraduate research model to support master’s students in faculty-guided research. The program’s design is centered on preparing master’s students for doctoral studies, competitive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, and leadership roles in research-intensive fields.

  GROW offers meaningful mentorship, hands-on project involvement and helps graduate students build advanced analytical, technical and professional skills that are highly valued in academia and industry. Additionally, the program will soon offer graduate assistantships and/or tuition waivers, making it easier for students to pursue rigorous research while reducing financial barriers.

• SPARK

  Student Pathways to Access, Readiness, and Knowledge (SPARK) in engineering is an immersive, Saturday-based engineering exploration program. Open to students across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the program introduces participants to hands-on experiences in VEX robotics, coding, engineering fundamentals and physics.

  Running for 14 weeks during both the fall and spring semesters, SPARK delivers structured, age-appropriate sessions every Saturday. Each session is led by experienced facilitators and supported by FIU student mentors who help guide students through interactive engineering challenges, experimentation and problem-solving activities.

  The projects are inspired by the various engineering fields offered by CEC, including but not limited to mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and computer science.

  SPARK tracks include:

  • SPARK Cubs from third to fifth grade
  • SPARK Junior Panthers from sixth to eighth grade

  Spring 2026 sessions are held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

  The registration fee is $398 per semester, with a two-payment option: first payment due January 10, 2026, and second payment due March 7, 2026.

  Applications are now open