The NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering) was formed in the early 1970s to recommend ways to attract students into the engineering profession. Sarnoff Corporation (then a part of RCA) became an active member company and founded the MEP program. The program was developed to motivate high school students to consider a career in the engineering or science field.

Sarnoff is proud of its role in contributing to the career development of the under-represented student body in our community. For more than 30 years, the flagship of Sarnoff’s educational programs has been MEP. In recognition of one of the founders’ commitment to MEP, Frederick L. Dixon, the program has been renamed to the Dixon Mentoring in Engineering Program — DMEP.

Several area high schools participate in this program every year. Minority students with an aptitude for Math and Sciences are selected based on recommendations from their science teacher and guidance counselor and an interview with the DMEP Instructor.

The DMEP program runs from November until June. The students are transported from their respective schools to Sarnoff, every other week, for a 2-hour session. There are 16 sessions, which include hands-on/interactive activities, lectures, demonstrations and a tour of Sarnoff’s Labs. There are no tests or homework.

The Session topics cover all aspects of the field of Engineering. The fundamental intent is to provide the student with an understanding and appreciation of the various roles of an engineer so they can make an informed career choice. Participants have fun while being exposed to what engineering is all about.