GM Foundation supports Ohio State engineering students, programs

University/Organization Partner Program to fund student projects and diversity initiatives

The General Motors Foundation is granting $130,000 to The Ohio State University College of Engineering to support diversity initiatives, career services and capstone projects through its University/Organization Partner Program.

Ohio State’s graduate and undergraduate engineering programs are both ranked first among all Ohio universities and 17th nationally among all public universities. With more than 55,000 living engineering and architecture alumni worldwide, the College of Engineering features world-class, experiential learning programs within 11 departments.

“Working with leaders in education to strengthen curricula, foster a diverse learning environment and challenge young minds is a top priority for us,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. “By supporting higher education programs, we are ensuring that the next generation of leaders and innovators receive the necessary knowledge and skills to compete in a global marketplace.”

The GM Foundation grant will be shared among several key College of Engineering programs. The Center for Automotive Research will leverage the funding in efforts to encourage more students to pursue advanced degrees in automotive engineering. The college's award-winning Women in Engineering program will expand access to a summer camp that introduces rising 12th grade students to careers in engineering.

The grant will allow the college's Minority Engineering Program to increase student participation in the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and Lambda Psi, specifically in committees focused on academic excellence. 

“We are thrilled to be working with the GM Foundation, who invests in educational programs and values diversity,” said Lisa Abrams, interim director of diversity and outreach for the college. “This grant will allow us to continue to provide programs that will excite young students and encourage them to consider careers in engineering.”

The GM Foundation’s support also will make it possible for over 5,000 Buckeye engineering students seeking internships, co-ops and full time positions to have access to CareerEngine, an online talent matching resource.

Student capstone projects receiving grant support include development of a real-time asset management smartphone application and in-depth analysis of an industry-driven noise, vibration and harshness problem.

As a long-time partner, the GM Foundation has supported Ohio State engineering students and outreach initiatives since 1979.

About the General Motors Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.