GE Vernova Foundation Launches Engineers of Change
A three-year, $4.5 million program will bring engineering education to 6,000 students in Greenville and Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Scholarships
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The GE Vernova Foundation has launched Engineers of Change, a three-year, $4.5 million initiative aimed at igniting interest in engineering among students starting in middle school. The program was formally unveiled November 2 at GE Vernova's Advanced Manufacturing Works facility in Greenville.
Why it matters
The program seeks to expand student interest in engineering from middle school through high school, addressing the pipeline of future engineers in the Greenville region. It pairs industry engineers with Clemson University resources to bring hands-on learning directly into classrooms.
The three-year program carries $4.5 million in GE Vernova Foundation funding and targets 3,000 students in the Greenville region out of 6,000 total across Greenville and Staffordshire. Results have not yet been reported, and the selection process for participating students has not been detailed.
The players
GE Vernova Foundation
The philanthropic arm of GE Vernova, the energy and electrification company, which is funding the program.
Clemson University
A public research university in South Carolina whose PEER program will implement Engineers of Change through its College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
FHI 360
A North Carolina-based global human development nonprofit providing technical assistance to the program.
The details
Engineering Spark places engineers from GE Vernova and Clemson University into classrooms of students aged 13 to 14, using demonstrations and hands-on activities. Engineering Catalyst is a two-year track preparing students aged 15 to 18 for university-level engineering study, with Clemson's PEER program implementing the initiative and FHI 360 providing technical assistance.
Timeline
April 2026: Plans for the program were announced.
November 2, 2026: The program was formally unveiled at GE Vernova's Advanced Manufacturing Works in Greenville.
2026 to 2029: The program is set to reach its 6,000-student goal over three years.
Season Trajectory
The program builds on GE Vernova's presence at its 400-acre Greenville campus by linking industry engineers with Clemson University to create a multi-year pipeline from middle school onward. It extends a corporate footprint in Upstate South Carolina into classroom-level education rather than limiting engagement to hiring.
Families of students aged 13 to 18 in Greenville can look for Engineering Spark and Engineering Catalyst as in-school opportunities to explore engineering. The program brings engineers directly into classrooms, so participation does not require students to travel to a campus.
The takeaway
Students interested in engineering can start building skills early, and this program shows how industry partnerships can bring that learning into local schools. Families may find it useful to ask their school whether participation is available.
Further reading
For related education funding, explore Scholarships in the Greenville area.
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