Undergraduate research and co-op education: a winning combination

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM) in collaboration with renowned engineering companies has developed and implemented an educational model joining traditional co-op education and undergraduate research experience. The model has evolved into a well-rounded learning program with important benefits for all parties involved: students, academia, and employers. This paper describes the program, presents statistics quantifying its impact, and identifies key elements for the success of the approach.