THE JUMP
TALENT
INSPIRING CHANGEMAKERS
where they will make a difference, but many claim engineering seems too technical and not focused enough on big-picture challenges. Next Engineers can help change that perception by –GAIL PAUL exposing students to experiences that help them grasp the true role of engineers. “Part of educating them is helping them realize, if we’re going to have livable urban centers, more acclassroom and not feel ready for that challenge.” cessible and affordable health care, or reliable UC College of Engineering and Applied infrastructure, all of that is what engineers do,” Science (CEAS) Dean John Weidner says Next Weidner says. Engineers represents another tool for UC to Next Engineers offers three programs, infurther its impact and continue its commitment cluding Engineering Academy, for students to underrepresented students through existing ages 15-18. All students in Cincinnati who programs, such as its 2021 Marcomplete the three-year Engineerian Spencer Scholars Program ing Academy and enroll in college for high-achieving students in an engineering discipline are eli“We have at Cincinnati Public Schools. gible for a $20,000 GE Foundation In 2020, CEAS engaged with to connect scholarship. 1,409 potential students, accord- with stuGE’s Allen says Cincinnati has ing to its Inclusive Excellence & a chance to set the bar high for the dents early Community Engagement Imworld when it comes to delivering to get them an impactful program. “So, if you pact Report. “GE’s program will abso- excited have a student in your life, whether lutely impact Cincinnati treyour own child, a friend’s child, about engi- it’s mendously,” Weidner says. or a neighbor’s child and if they “The bottom line for GE and neering.” meet the eligibility criteria and for us as well is we need more have an interest in engineering,” he engineers. We have to connect says, “we’re counting on people in with students early to get them excited about the community to help us point those students toward this opportunity. We’re on a mission to engineering.” Weidner says students say they want careers inspire the next generation of changemakers.”
GE partners with UC to invest $5 million in recruiting a diverse new generation of engineers. A new program designed by General Electric to increase the diversity of young people choosing engineering careers has selected Cincinnati as one of four inaugural locations for Next Engineers, a global college-readiness program that will provide first-hand engineering experiences to high school students. It will also offer meaningful financial support to eligible students to help fund their pursuit of an engineering education. GE will invest $5 million over five years here in partnership with the University of Cincinnati to build out the Next Engineers program, hoping to reach and inspire more than 3,500 students in the Cincinnati region. GE launched similar initiatives in cities in South Carolina, South Africa, and England. Joe Allen, chief diversity officer at GE Aviation, says the program will focus on traditionally underrepresented groups in the engineering field, particularly women and people of color. “If students from those backgrounds aren’t exposed to engineering before college,” he says, “it can be really discouraging to step into a college 18 REALM WINTER 2021
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