Forty-three students from the program’s second Academy cohort celebrated their graduation alongside family, friends, and GE Aerospace and Next Engineers leaders at The University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. The University of Cincinnati is the GE Aerospace Foundation’s educational partner for the local Next Engineers program, which was established by the GE Foundation, now known as the GE Aerospace Foundation, in 2021.  

“The GE Aerospace Foundation is immensely proud of these talented students as they take the next step in their educational journey,” said GE Aerospace Foundation President Meghan Thurlow. “The hands-on experience and confidence they gained through the Next Engineers program will serve them well as they start college next fall, and we look forward to everything they will accomplish in the years to come.” 

Students who complete the Engineering Academy program and enroll in a qualified engineering or engineering-related degree program receive scholarships to support their education toward becoming engineers. To date, the Next Engineers program has reached more than 23,000 students globally and awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to qualifying graduates.

“These graduates are a perfect example of the dedication and potential of our youth right here in Cincinnati,” said Dr. Whitney Gaskins, Associate Dean of Professional Development and Community Impact, University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science. “The University of Cincinnati is thrilled that many are continuing their engineering educations here and are proud of everything they have accomplished thus far.”  

The Next Engineers: Engineering Academy is a transformative learning experience designed for students aged 15 to 18. Through a rigorous curriculum, immersive design challenges, and career coaching, students learn to think and act like engineers. The program is supported by local educational partners like the University of Cincinnati that equip participants with the skills needed to build an engineering identity and pursue successful careers in engineering fields. 

In 2024, the GE Aerospace Foundation committed $20 million through 2030 to expand Next Engineers, including extending the Cincinnati program through 2028. This commitment will help bridge the gap for students in middle school to college who are interested in engineering careers. The Next Engineers program currently serves students in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Greenville, South Carolina, in the United States, along with Johannesburg (South Africa), Staffordshire (United Kingdom), Warsaw (Poland), and recently announced sites in Niskayuna, New York, and Bengaluru (India).