The Lowell Institute School’s engineering technology programs were also enhanced by securing accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in Summer 2012. The ABET represents the highest standards in engineering education. Students graduating from an ABET-accredited program qualify for immediate entry into the engineering licensure process. Reaccreditation was granted in 2014 and is valid through 2019. The demanding standard of ABET accreditation required that Lowell Institute School students complete 186 credit hours to graduate, 26 more credit hours than a typical requirement for a bachelor of science degree. Funds from the Lowell Institute were crucial in helping to bridge these costs for Lowell Institute School students.8 Celebrating Lowell Institute School Students, Alumni, and Donors Northeastern University instituted two ways to recognize the success of engineering-focused students within the Lowell Institute School. Students who reach the top four percent of the program in grade point average were invited to join the university’s chapter of the national engineering technology society, Tau Alpha Pi. In addition, Lowell Institute School students and alumni were also recognized at annual receptions, where they were also able to meet some of the donors who have supported their Lowell Scholarship Program. The redesign of the Lowell Scholarship Program to a merit- and needbased model required all Lowell Institute School students who applied for scholarships to complete a FAFSA (the federal financial aid form). This made it possible to direct more scholarship resources to those students who needed it most. In addition to the Lowell Scholarship Program, a number of alumni-funded and named scholarships were also awarded to Lowell Institute School students. These included the Harvey Jacobson Foundation Scholarship, the Robert A. Rosenberg Engineering Technology Scholarship, the Charles Evirs Fund Scholarship, and the Charles Francis Lowell Scholarship.9
110 l The Lowell Institute School at Northeastern University