Grand Valley State University and the Padnos College of Engineering is pleased to partner with the GE Aerospace Foundation on the Next Engineers program in Grand Rapids. The Next Engineers program has reached more than 34,000 students worldwide and is expected to engage over 4,000 students in the Grand Rapids area, bringing a proven global college and career readiness program to West Michigan that helps students explore engineering careers, develop in-demand skills, and prepare for future engineering degrees.

PCE will manage Next Engineer programming including Engineering Discovery in local 8th grade classrooms and Engineering Academy, a two-year college and career readiness program for high school students. Through project-based learning, mentorship from GE Aerospace volunteers, and career exploration activities, Academy students gain exposure to a wide range of engineering disciplines and pathways. Eligible participants who complete Engineering Academy and pursue engineering degrees at a college or university will receive scholarship support.