Plans to reach 4,000 local students through engineering education
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – September 10, 2026 – The GE Aerospace Foundation announced today the launch of its Next Engineers program in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in partnership with Grand Valley State University.
The program has reached more than 34,000 students worldwide since 2021 and is expected to engage over 4,000 students in the Grand Rapids area, bringing a proven global college and career readiness program to West Michigan that helps students explore engineering careers, develop in-demand skills, and prepare for future engineering degrees.
“We are proud to bring Next Engineers to Grand Rapids and expand access to engineering education in a community where GE Aerospace has a strong presence,” said Germaine Hunter, Vice President of Workplace & Employee Experience and GE Aerospace Foundation Board Member. “Engineering has the power to transform lives and communities by opening doors for students to tackle real-world challenges.”
Programming in Grand Rapids will include Engineering Discovery for early secondary school students and Engineering Academy for older students preparing for higher education. Through project-based learning, mentorship from GE Aerospace volunteers, and career exploration activities, students gain exposure to a wide range of engineering disciplines and pathways. Eligible participants who complete Engineering Academy and pursue engineering degrees will also receive scholarship support, adding to the 84% of Next Engineers graduates in post-secondary education and apprenticeships.
“Introducing K-12 students to engineering and inspiring them to see the many opportunities engineering provides is at the heart of what we do at GVSU and we’re thrilled to partner with the GE Aerospace Foundation on this important work,” said Bayo Ogundipe, GVSU Padnos College of Engineering Dean.
The Grand Rapids launch builds on the continued global growth of Next Engineers, including current and alumni programs in Cincinnati, Ohio; Greenville, South Carolina; Staffordshire, United Kingdom; Johannesburg, South Africa; Warsaw, Poland; Bengaluru, India; and the New York Capital Region, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the future engineering workforce.
Launched in 2021 by the GE Foundation, Next Engineers advances students' interests in STEM education through hands-on learning, career exploration, and mentorship from GE Aerospace volunteers. GE Aerospace is proud to build on 83 years of innovation in Grand Rapids, where more than 1,000 employees help advance technologies that power the future of flight and produce high-quality electronics and avionics systems for commercial and military aircraft.
Students, families, and schools interested in learning more can visit: https://www.nextengineers.org/en/locations/grandrapids
About the GE Aerospace Foundation
The GE Aerospace Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE Aerospace, complements the company’s purpose to “lift people up” in communities where employees live and work around the world. The Foundation’s philanthropic strategy and programs focus on engineering education, workforce development, and disaster relief. We also support GE Aerospace employees through programs such as Matching Gifts and STAR Awards. When GE Aerospace launched as an independent company in 2024, the GE Foundation was relaunched as the GE Aerospace Foundation, commencing a new chapter that builds on the successful, 100+ year legacy of the previous GE Foundation. Learn more at www.geaerospace.com/company/philanthropy.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more at www.geaerospace.com.
About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University is a public, four-year university in West Michigan dedicated to excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. Founded in 1960 to meet the growing need for higher education in the region, Grand Valley today serves more than 22,000 students across eight academic colleges and six schools. With more than 350 areas of study, the university empowers students to explore new ideas, take intellectual risks, and develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Known for its student-centered approach, Grand Valley offers small class sizes, undergraduate research opportunities, global learning experiences in more than 80 countries, and a strong commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful careers and community impact. https://www.gvsu.edu/about