Engineering Learning Community

Build an engineering-focused academic network in your first year!

The Engineering Learning Community (ELC) serves as an opportunity for Engineering and pre-Engineering students with high math abilities at the Newark campus to build a social and academic network in their first year of enrollment at The Ohio State University. Members of the learning community also have opportunities to interact with area engineers and employers throughout the year. Students who participate in the ELC can expect to work closely with the Office of Retention & Student Success Initiatives as they learn how to balance coursework within their major and become self-regulated learners, take the required first-year engineering courses in a cohort-based model, participate in individualized study table sessions to support their ultimate success in STEM courses, and build a team of support with Student Peer and Academic Success Coaches. Additionally, students will gain the opportunity to work closely with engineering faculty members to connect with their major and enrich their overall experience.

Students take two courses together in autumn semester and spring semesters, which include the first-year engineering courses that are required for all engineering majors at Ohio State and an arts and sciences course designed for engineering majors.

Benefits of participation:

  • Connections with engineering professionals in the field
  • Career-based experiential learning trips off campus for unique hands-on learning
  • One-on-one support and connections with faculty and staff through the major
  • Guaranteed enrollment in Ohio State first-year engineering courses
  • Courses taken together as a cohort create a unique learning environment and opportunities for students to fulfill engineering major requirements and connect with other engineering students
  • Support for the transition to the Columbus campus
  • Priority consideration for Newark Campus residence hall housing if you would like to live on campus*

Application process

  • Students interested in becoming a member of the Engineering Learning Community should complete the ELC Application for full consideration.
  • Students are required and will be sent information on how to take the Ohio State Math Placement Test after their ELC application has been received.
  • Applicants are encouraged to pay their Ohio State Acceptance Fee for full consideration for ELC.
  • For details on the application process and more students can visit: u.osu.edu/engineeringlc.

Who are the participants?

  • 40 first-year engineering or pre-engineering majors.
  • Students interested in kick-starting their major in their first year at Ohio State and taking advantage of many opportunities.
  • Students who are interested in taking advantage of resources and making connections in order to achieve ultimate success.
  • Acceptance is contingent upon applying to the ELC and placing at pre-calculus or calculus level on the OSU Math Placement Test.

Student Testimonials

ELC students have shared the following statements about what they enjoyed while participating in the learning community:

“[The ELC] taught me how to be successful in the college of Engineering.”

“I gained knowledge on how to study and how to manage my time.”

“I learned how to plan ahead in the future.”

ELC Donor Partnership

Our Engineering Learning Community donors have made great impact in the lives of many. If you are interested in learning more about donating to the ELC program, please visit newark.osu.edu/giving.