Conference Agenda

The Telematics Engineering program at the Universidad de La Frontera faced a critical decline in applications following the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching only 3 applicants in 2021 for 15 available slots. This exposed a broader structural issue: limited awareness of STEM fields among high school students in the Araucanía region, one of Chile’s most socioeconomically vulnerable areas.

In response, the program developed the “IoT Applications Workshop,” an early engagement initiative targeting 11th and 12th grade students. The program combines a four-session online theoretical module with an eight-session in-person practical module, where selected students build low-cost IoT prototypes using microcontrollers, sensors, and block-based programming tools. It also incorporates peer learning through undergraduate tutors and includes vocational guidance and alumni talks.

The initiative has demonstrated significant impact. By the 2026 admission cycle, applications increased substantially, with 24 enrollments and 27 students on the waiting list. Notably, over 70% of enrolled Telematics students participated in the workshop. Additionally, 22 out of 26 workshop participants who applied to engineering programs successfully enrolled. This growth has improved admission scores, as well as retention and academic performance.

The program emphasizes equity through open regional access, hybrid delivery, and special admission pathways based on merit and engagement. With a cost below USD 1,000 per semester, it is highly cost-effective, scalable, and replicable. Its modular design and publicly available materials further support its sustainability and broader educational impact.