This knowledge session provides an understanding of underrepresented engineering students (URES) demographics, their retention to graduation outcomes. Proactive approaches are offered for employers to partner with schools of engineering to shape the development of these talented students of color. Participants will learn how the UCLA Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity (CEED) retention model and its industry partners recruit, develop and graduate URES for transition to industry and advanced study. A review of the national organizations involved in efforts to increase URES graduates will be presented, along with the best practices of schools of engineering that support these efforts. An open forum process will allow attendees to discuss the challenges and responses associated with competing in the campus market place to indentify and engage URES students. CEED Industry Advisory Board respondents will address methods to increase contact with target diversity students and discuss the near and long‐term ROI, as well as justifications for enhanced HR time, and other resources to build effective relationships.