Engineers of Change is a global college-and-career readiness program creating opportunities for young people between the ages of 13 and 18 to become engineers. Launched in 2026 by the GE Vernova Foundation, the program provides students with first-hand experience in engineering concepts and careers and ultimately awards partial scholarships to pursue higher education or apprenticeships in engineering. The program is currently offered in Greenville, South Carolina and Staffordshire, United Kingdom.

Inspiring future engineers is vital to building a more sustainable world.

Addresses Global Energy Challenges: The future of energy will be shaped by engineers who can rethink how the world is powered. When engineers come from diverse backgrounds and bring different perspectives, they are better equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

Lights Pathways into Energy Careers: The energy transition needs all kinds of problem solvers. Anyone with the curiosity and aptitude for engineering should have the opportunity to pursue it. Engineers of Change opens doors for all participants, providing exposure, support, and inspiration. By investing in students now, we are helping build the next generation of engineers who will power the future.

Changes the Narrative about Engineering: Many young people don’t see themselves in traditional images of engineers or in the energy industry. By connecting students with engineering role models who are already shaping the future of energy, Engineers of Change helps them see that there is no single “type” of engineer—and that a career in engineering and energy is possible for them.

The initiative is meant to inspire and nurture a pipeline of students, each bringing their unique perspective to the field, to become the next generation of global problem solvers.

An engineer asks questions and uses science and math to solve problems. Engineers figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries. The key to being an engineer is imagining and seeing something new, something no one has imagined before. An engineer is also a creator and makes things for everyday life. Engineers solve real-world problems, like bringing affordable, clean energy to more people and making clean water available everywhere.

There are different types of engineers, such as:

Civil engineers design and build roads, bridges, buildings, dams for hydropower plants and other structures to make sure they are safe and last a long time.

Mechanical engineers design and build machines like telescopes, Ferris wheels and gas powered turbines.

Electrical engineers make sure electricity gets from where it is created to your home or business safely and reliably, such as connecting a power plant to the grid so it can power entire communities.

Chemical engineers combine raw materials into new products to make things like more efficient solar panels and larger storage batteries.

It is critical to introduce students to engineering early. In fact, research shows that youth introduced to engineering principles by age 13 are more likely to pursue engineering in higher education and as a career.

Engineers of Change starts with sparking curiosity as early as age 13, providing guidance through high school (ages 15-18), and providing financial support for higher education or apprenticeships through partial scholarships.

Yes. The Engineers of Change is fully-funded by the GE Vernova Foundation. Engineering Spark brings engineering to 13-14 year olds in their classrooms and at community events. Engineering Catalyst provides over 180 hours of free out-of-school programming for students starting in high school.

Engineering Catalyst accepts a limited number of students per site annually who demonstrate strong interest in engineering, show academic strength in the related science and math courses, and are committed to participating in the program over multiple years. The program is designed to be smaller so that students can engage in in-depth, real-world engineering learning activities. Additionally, students will work closely with their teams and instructors over a longer period of time. The extended, immersive nature of the program helps participants learn to think and act like engineers with a curriculum that becomes more challenging over the course of the program.

Students are expected to submit an application to apply, including their academic achievements (including grades), short explanations of why they're interested, and a letter of recommendation. Interested students should visit the Location section to learn more about the application process.

Thank you for your interest in Engineers of Change! The program is currently offered in 2 locations: Greenville, South Carolina and Staffordshire, U.K. For Engineering Spark, most events take place in schools, so students do not register for events. For Engineering Catalyst, students must apply before or early in their 10th grade (Year 11 in the United Kingdom). Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly selected into the program.

Visit the Location section to learn more about what is available in your area.

At this time, Engineers of Change is offered in two locations, Greenville South Carolina and Staffordshire, United Kingdom. We continually evaluate opportunities to strengthen and grow the program based on impact, partnerships, and community needs.