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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Editor’s Note:
- The Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) newest Sourcebook ranks Black & Veatch’s power business No. 1 for solar power services, third in transmission and distribution, and seventh for wind power services, reflecting the company’s success in helping clients pursue greater sustainability and resilience through renewable power generation and widescale distributed infrastructure deployment.
- The new scholarship program underscores Black & Veatch’s commitment to enhancing the opportunity pipeline for students engaged in other Black & Veatch science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives. Black & Veatch has long-standing relationships with the Boys & Girls Club and other youth organizations, as well as a financial commitment to an innovation area for children at a regional library.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries by addressing the resilience and reliability of our world's most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2019 were US$3.7 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.
About Pittsburg State University
Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State is a comprehensive, fully accredited university that offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Those programs are contained within four distinct colleges, each of which offer hands-on, interactive education opportunities. With an enrollment of more than 5,000 and events happening year-round, the university is also the economic, social, and cultural hub for Crawford County. Learn more at pittstate.edu.
About the University of Central Missouri
Based in Warrensburg, the University of Central Missouri is a comprehensive institution serving nearly 11,000 students in four academic colleges and is consistently recognized as a best college by Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. With a strong focus on quality, access and affordability, UCM is the state leader in degree completion among Missouri public universities, offering classes online and in person at its Warrensburg campus and at UCM-Lee’s Summit, located in the Missouri Innovation Campus. Celebrating its 150th year in 2021, the university is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that enables students to benefit from engaged learning, future-focused academics, a culture of service and a worldly perspective.
About Johnson County Community College
Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Johnson County Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. JCCC is recognized for providing quality education and training to meet workforce, economic and lifelong learning needs of the community. With a total credit enrollment of more than 28,000 in 2018-2019 and an additional 13,000 students enrolled in continuing education in more than 3,500 certification, recertification and re-licensure workshops, seminars and computer classes, JCCC is proud to serve its mission of inspiring learning to transform lives and strengthen communities.
About Metropolitan Community College
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Metropolitan Community College is Kansas City’s oldest public institution of higher education; 2019-20 marks MCC’s 105th academic year. Founded in 1915 as the Kansas City Polytechnic Institute, the college became Junior College of Kansas City in 1919, and finally “Metropolitan” in 1964. The campuses — MCC-Blue River, MCC-Business & Technology, MCC-Longview, MCC-Maple Woods and MCC-Penn Valley — and a robust online program educate about 30,000 students annually through credit and noncredit courses and business services.
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