American Society for Engineering Education

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and improving engineering and engineering technology education. Founded in 1893 as the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education (SPEE), it was renamed to its current form in 1946 after merging with the Engineering College Research Association (ECRA)[1][2].

History

ASEE's origins date back to the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education (SPEE), established during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, known as the World's Columbian Exposition. This period marked a significant growth in American higher education, initiated by the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862, which supported the establishment of public institutions focused on providing practical skills in agriculture and the mechanic arts. As more individuals entered the workforce with advanced training in applied fields, professors began questioning whether a more rigorous approach to teaching fundamental scientific and mathematical principles was needed. SPEE was formed to address these concerns by improving engineering education at the classroom level[1].

During World War II, the federal government's emphasis on research led SPEE to form the Engineering College Research Association (ECRA), which focused more on research and securing federal funds for academic engineering research. After the war, the desire to integrate SPEE and ECRA resulted in the formation of ASEE[1].

Mission and Activities

ASEE's mission is to advance education in all its functions related to engineering and allied branches of science and technology, including teaching, learning, research, and public relations[3]. It accomplishes this by developing policies and programs that enhance professional opportunities for engineering faculty and promote increased student enrollments in engineering and engineering technology colleges[2][3].

ASEE serves over 12,000 members, including deans, department heads, faculty members, students, and government and industry representatives. The organization provides a communication link among corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions, fostering dialogue and collaboration across these sectors[2][3].

Goals and Impact

ASEE focuses on several key goals:

• Innovation
• Excellence
• Access
• Advocacy and Public Policy
• Communities
• Communication
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Strategic and Dynamic Organization[3]

Through its initiatives, ASEE plays an active role in informing public policy and providing resources for engineering education. It also supports programs to attract more women and minorities into engineering by conducting research and developing targeted programs[1][3].

Conferences and Publications

ASEE hosts annual conferences featuring technical sessions across all engineering disciplines, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, enhancement of teaching methods, and networking opportunities for stakeholders in engineering education[5]. The organization publishes several journals and magazines, including the Journal of Engineering Education and Prism, an award-winning magazine focusing on engineering education trends and research[3].

Membership Benefits

ASEE members benefit from access to networking opportunities, research partnerships, quality publications, and conferences. Members receive subscriptions to publications like Prism magazine and the Journal of Engineering Education, along with exclusive discounts for ASEE events[3]. Student members enjoy complimentary registration at conferences[3].