Bridging Academic Achievement and Career Readiness: The REP Scholars Experience

The Rebooting through EmTech Programs (REP) initiative, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports low-income and underrepresented students in computing fieldsspecifically cybersecurity, data analytics, and information systems technology.Over the past two years, REP sought to bridge academic achievement and career readiness by integrating mentorship, scholarships, and experiential learning into a cohesive student success framework.This mixed-methods evaluation of the REP Scholars Program at Miami Dade College reveals measurable improvements in students' academic performance, self-efficacy, and professional preparedness.Surveys, focus groups, and institutional data demonstrate that structured mentorship and applied learning opportunities not only enhance academic persistence but also empower students to transition confidently toward technical careers.Findings suggest that holistic, equity-centered initiatives like REP provide a replicable model for linking academic excellence with workforce readiness in higher education.