Working in the inner city high schools of New York, Houston and Philadelphia. Vanguard identifies 11th grade students whose academic records and scores might prevent them from entering quality engineering schools. While still in high school, the student explores his/her competencies in math as well as motivation, ability to access resources, tolerate frustration, team and leadership strengths. The students attend intensive workshop programs to increase math and science proficiency.

In groups of 10 students receive full scholarships to leading engineering schools who have a partnership with NACME. Drexel University is a partnership school

A program advisor offers support and advocacy services. The students meet once an academic quarter with the advisor in a group setting. Currently, the students are in the process of organizing a formal student group.