This Institutional Project grant proposal aims to develop an undergraduate research platform in which students from underrepresented populations in Science and Engineering disciplines at Howard University (HU) will participate in industry-identified research themes and projects under the mentorship of the faculty. The focus will be on STEM students with GPAs of 2.00-3.00 or nonscholarship students at the freshman and sophomore levels where the stimulation of scientific interest through participation in real-world, hands-on research projects in the early years of STEM education is proven to boost both retention and graduation rates. The identification of industry-defined research themes and projects will be made through industry involvement. This project addresses both competitive priorities of promoting innovation, improving educational outcomes for student and educator, supporting research, and discussing financial literacy that results in the engagement of students in devising innovative solutions to real-world problems.