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The Foundation Celebrates IEEE Education Week

The IEEE Foundation proudly joined IEEE in celebrating the first ever IEEE Education Week from 4 April to 8 April 2022. This celebration of educational opportunities provided by IEEE and its global network of organizations, societies and councils is a great way to explore programs supported by the Foundation and its dedicated donors. Throughout Education Week, lectures, workshops and professional development seminars were held in-person and virtually via IEEE chapters all over the world. 

On Friday 8 April, the IEEE Foundation hosted a Donor Panel with IEEE Heritage Circle members Peter A Lewis and Nita Patel and donor Allison Marsh. They discussed where and how the IEEE Foundation & education intersect and shared their giving stories about how, why and what they support philanthropically. In particular, they explored how IEEE Foundation supported programs are quietly (and not so quietly) changing the world! You can watch the panel discussion on demand.

Educating the next generation of technologists is at the bedrock of the IEEE Foundation, brought to life throughout the year under our Educate Pillar of initiatives. The benefits of galvanizing future innovators are far-reaching, from expanding the minds of school children just beginning to learn about the STEM world to providing on-going inspiration to young engineers and scientists starting to make an impact. By supporting IEEE programs that invest in young minds, the potential within the next generation is unlocked, bringing us all closer to a brighter technological future. 

Explore the following programs for a glimpse of how IEEE promotes STEM education at every level. 

TryEngineering Summer Institute

The TryEngineering Summer Institute (TESI) was created to inspire the next generation of engineers. Students between the ages of 13 and 17 from all over the world unite at one of TESI’s two-week engineering summer camps held at premier colleges and universities across the U.S. Students engage in hands-on design challenges, experience firsthand the work being done with engineers on behind-the-scenes tours, and glimpse into the future through conversations with renowned speakers and TESI counselors. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are offered at each location, provided in part by donors to the TryEngineering Summer Institute Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. These need-based scholarships offer financial assistance to students interested in attending the TryEngineering Summer Institute.

The Summer Institute is a component of TryEngineering, which was developed in 2006 as a collaboration between the IEEE Education Activities Board, IBM, and the New York Hall of Science to offer engineering resources to high school educators.

IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative

The IEEE Power and Energy Society provides scholarships and real-world experience to undergraduate students interested in power and energy engineering through its PES Scholarship Plus Initiative. Students can receive financial support for up to three years of their schooling, as well as access to internships, co-ops, mentoring opportunities, and special recognition as a PES Scholar. Companies and organizations can join PES in fueling these students’ futures by making gifts to enable more scholarships and by offering PES Scholars meaningful career experiences, such as summer jobs and internships, which are required for second and third year PES Scholars.

More than 160 companies provide internships for PES Scholars and many scholars made the transition from intern into full-time employee. More information about hiring a PES Scholar can be found on the Scholarship Plus Initiative Sponsorship page. 

IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu

IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) is the honor society of IEEE, promoting excellence in the engineering profession and in engineering education through scholarship, character and attitude. Founded in 1904, Eta Kappa Nu was established to help engineering graduates find employment, but today’s HKN members aren’t waiting until graduation to make a difference. IEEE-HKN university chapters develop activities to improve their academic departments, foster faculty-student collaboration, aid fellow students in their study, and help the local community. 

IEEE-HKN has approximately 100,000 members and more than 100 years of tradition, history and recognition. 

EPICS in IEEE

EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) in IEEE strives to solve community challenges through service learning and the power of technology and education. The program offers K-12 and university students an opportunity to work with professional engineers and scientists to solve global problems, resulting in transformed communities and equipped young technologist ready to enter the workforce with confidence. 

Since its inception in 2009, EPICS in IEEE has facilitated more than 150 projects in more than 30 countries, impacting more than 300,000 people worldwide. 

IEEE REACH

Through the IEEE History Center, IEEE REACH (Raising Engineering Awareness through the Conduit of History) provides pre-university teachers free, open educational resources that expose students to the different ways science and technology interrelate to society and history. IEEE REACH aims to engage K-12 students through inquiry-designed lesson plans, primary and secondary sources, audio and video clips and hands-on activities. While the program was designed for Social Studies teachers, it also meets the Next Generation Science Standards and the Standards for Technology and Engineering Literacy set by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The site is searchable by World History AP themes. In 2021, IEEE REACH partnered with UNESCO to empower girls in Africa to pursue STEM. 

IEEE Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL)

IEEE SKPL, or Science Kits for Public Libraries, is a program that brings hands-on STEM experiences to children, regardless of race, gender, financial condition or home environment, via their local public library in IEEE Region 4. Compact and portable Discovery Kits, filled with high-quality STEM materials and curated books that support themed learning, can be explored at public libraries or checked out and taken home just like a book. 

The program was rolled out in Chicago and expanded from one branch to all 81 branches in just five years. The growth and success of this program is due in no small part to the IEEE Life Members Committee, and has grown to more than 120 public library locations as of its 2022 grant cycle.

Scholarship Opportunities

Along with supporting these and other IEEE educational outreach programs, the IEEE Foundation provides funding for dozens of IEEE scholarships, fellowships, grants and internships aimed at celebrating educational excellence and ingenuity. For a list of many Foundation-funded scholarship opportunities, you can peruse this shareable Funding Opportunity Guide. 

Education Week and Beyond

To stay up-to-date on the exciting and informative in-person and virtual events hosted all over the world in honor of Education Week, visit educationweek.ieee.org. You’ll also find special offers and discounts on IEEE educational offerings and even more opportunities and resources for students and educators by following the Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Collabratec®.

Whether you’re just starting your STEM education, educating students on potential STEM futures, or looking to support the next generation of STEM professionals with your time, talent, or capital, there are countless ways to become involved with IEEE education programs — this week and every week. In honor of Education Week, please consider making a donation to the IEEE Foundation to help us continue to ensure STEM education at every level through IEEE.

On Friday 8 April IEEE Foundation hosted a Donor Panel with IEEE Heritage Circle members Peter A Lewis and Nita Patel and donor Allison Marsh. They discussed where and how the IEEE Foundation & education intersect and shared their giving stories about how, why and what they support philanthropically. In particular, they explored how IEEE Foundation supported programs are quietly (and not so quietly) changing the world! You can watch the panel discussion on demand.