FAQs | Next Engineers

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about Next Engineers and engineering.

What is Next Engineers?

In 2021, GE launched Next Engineers, a global college- and career-readiness program to increase the diversity of young people in engineering. The goal is to reach more than 14,000 students in four cities globally over the next five years. The program engages students (ages 13 to 18) in hands-on engineering concepts and careers and ultimately awards partial higher education scholarships to pursue engineering degrees. The four Next Engineers locations are: Cincinnati, Ohio, and Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.A.; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Staffordshire, U.K. GE is committed to providing the resources that will inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators, wherever their careers take them.

What is an engineer?

An engineer asks questions and uses science and math to solve problems. Engineers figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries. The key to being an engineer is imagining and seeing something new, something no one has imagined before. An engineer is also a creator and makes things for everyday life. Engineers solve real-world problems, like bringing affordable, clean energy to more people and making clean water available everywhere.

There are different types of engineers, such as:

Civil engineers design and build roads, bridges, buildings, dams and other structures and make sure they are safe and last a long time.
Mechanical engineers design and build machines like ambulances, jet engines, telescopes, and Ferris wheels.
Electrical engineers work with electricity to make essential things like traffic lights, or they use electricity to power cars and design electric airplane engines.
Chemical engineers combine raw materials into new products to make things like more efficient solar panels and larger storage batteries.

Why is the GE Foundation focusing on engineering?

Inspiring engineers is core to our purpose. Next Engineers:

Addresses Global Challenges: Engineers are creating blueprints for a world that works, and engineers from diverse backgrounds can bring the varied perspectives we need to address the world’s most pressing challenges – from clean energy to quality healthcare and more sustainable flight.
Lights Pathways: Anyone who wants to be an engineer and shows aptitude for engineering should be able to become an engineer. Next Engineers provides opportunities and support for all participants. By investing in students now, we can ensure we’ll be able to meet the future demands for skilled engineering talent and increase diversity in engineering.
Changes the Narrative about Engineering: Many young people have preconceived notions about engineers. By introducing students to engineering role models from diverse backgrounds, we are inspiring more students to pursue engineering careers and building a more diverse engineering workforce.

Next Engineers is designed to show students how engineering can solve global challenges connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as clean energy, sustainable transportation, and quality healthcare. The initiative is meant to inspire and nurture a pipeline of students, each bringing their unique perspective to the field, to become the next generation of global problem solvers.

Why does the Next Engineers start with students who are age 13?

It is critical to introduce students to engineering early. In fact, research shows that youth introduced to engineering principles by age 13 are more likely to pursue engineering in higher education and as a career.

Next Engineers starts with raising awareness as early as age 13, ignites interest and provides guidance throughout high school (ages 14 to 18), and provides financial support to higher education through partial scholarships.

Is the Engineering Camp free?

Yes. The Engineering Camp is fully-funded by Next Engineers; 14-15 year-olds can attend the Engineering Camp for one week free of charge.

Why is there an application for the Engineering Academy? What is required to apply?

The Engineering Academy accepts 50 students per site annually who demonstrate strong interest in engineering, show academic strength in the related science and math courses, and are committed to participating in the program over three years. The program is designed to be smaller so that students can engage in in-depth, real-world engineering learning activities. Additionally, students will work closely with their teams and instructors over a longer period of time. The extended, immersive nature of the program helps participants learn to think and act like engineers with a curriculum that becomes more challenging over the course of the Academy.

Students are expected to submit an application, including their academic achievements (including grades), short explanations of why they're interested, and a letter of recommendation. Interested students can access the application for their local Academy through Next Engineers Cities.

How will COVID-19 impact Next Engineers?

We are committed to the health and safety of Next Engineers students and guardians, and are taking necessary precautions to ensure safe learning environments. We are prepared to adjust the program in response to COVID-19 as needed and will be evaluating key metrics, such as local case numbers. We will also follow guidelines set forth by global, national, and regional health organizations throughout the program.

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