/ Corporate / Black & Veatch Foundation launches scholarship offerings for prospective employees at four universities, community colleges

Black & Veatch Foundation launches scholarship offerings for prospective employees at four universities, community colleges

Parul Dubey on July 20, 2020 - in Corporate, Events, News

Effort seeks to further feed pipeline of infrastructure problem solvers to grow company’s power transmission business

As the world’s electric power industry rapidly evolves to accommodate dramatic changes including renewable energy and the need for system integration, Black & Veatch is searching for tomorrow’s young talent who can help develop innovative solutions in the company’s growing global transmission business. And it’s granting scholarships at four regional universities and colleges to make it happen.

Looking to expedite the pipeline of future problem-solvers, the Black & Veatch Foundation is underwriting targeted scholarships at Pittsburg (Kansas) State University, the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Johnson County (Kansas) Community College and Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. The schools were chosen both for their interest and track record in delivering qualified, aspiring design technology and technician candidates who can support the company’s global transmission needs.

The financial assistance extends the collaboration between Black & Veatch – a global leader in infrastructure solutions – and secondary education, with many of the schools with which the company has engaged already having aligned core power electrical course content to cater to Black & Veatch’s transmission business. Pittsburg State, for example, has offered a power course that includes Black & Veatch substation design training concepts.

“Our professionals innovate, create and find new solutions to challenging problems involving the world’s critical infrastructure, so we’re thrilled about this opportunity to help open new doors to talent not only for our business but for everyone’s betterment,” said Mario Azar, president of Black & Veatch’s power business.

Clark Shaver, associate professor in electronics engineering technology at Pittsburg State, said that in terms of the engineering talent at that school, “Black & Veatch has recognized their value by hiring many graduates and interns for many years.”

“Now, with its scholarships, B&V has gone even further, demonstrating their belief in our graduates,” Shaver added. “It’s awesome for our program to have such a tremendous relationship with such a high-caliber company.”

Noting that one of the most significant obstacles facing students who desire a college education is cost, Dr. Ronnie Rollins, chairman for UCM’s School of Technology, said “the Black & Veatch scholarship will allow students to pursue a degree in Engineering Technology with minimal debt while gaining practical work experience.”

“Through their corporate generosity, Black & Veatch is creating a win-win situation by providing students with the financial resources they need to pursue their educational goals, while also helping to grow the number of qualified UCM graduates who will be able to help fill vital technology roles in their industry,” added Alice Greife, dean of UCM’s College of Health Science and Technology. “We’re very excited about what this means for our students.”

Calling Black & Veatch a valued partner for Johnson County Community College for more than three decades, JCCC President Andy Bowne said the scholarships mark the latest collaboration “to build a strong, highly skilled local workforce” and “help ensure area students have access –

 and the financial resources they may need – to earn a degree and pursue careers in high-demand fields.”

At Metropolitan Community College, Chancellor Kimberly Beatty said that school “is committed to creating opportunities for our students and serving Kansas City by cultivating qualified talent to meet the workforce needs of our community.”

“Our partnership with Black & Veatch is a testament to the promise of this mission, and we are excited and grateful for the support this new scholarship affords,” Beatty added.

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