Last summer, Boeing opened its doors to students in UMR’s Minority Engineering and Science Program, a scholarship program supported in part by Boeing since 2003.

Nearly 100 students toured the Center for Integrated Defense Simulation and the Building 67 production facility in St. Louis. Afterward they met Boeing engineers, some of whom are MEP veterans, and asked questions about careers, benefits and internships at Boeing.

“This is a great opportunity for all involved,” says John Eash, AE’79, MS EMgt’90, director of IDS Supplier Quality and executive focal for UMR.

“Students have the opportunity to see what a career in engineering involves, ask questions concerning challenges faced by recent graduates, and hear from seasoned veterans. Boeing enhances relationships with the university and students, which strengthens our recruiting, research and development, and continuing education partnerships. It’s an investment in their future and ours.”

UMR values the site visits as well, according to Jacques P. Fransaw, EMgt’04 and MS SysE’07, former UMR program coordinator. “Telling students about Boeing’s engineering programs is one thing; showing them is another,” Fransaw says.

The Boeing visit marked the conclusion of “Hit the Ground Running,” a summer program that prepares incoming freshmen for their first year in college. The program’s coursework in math, chemistry and English provides a strong foundation for college life.

“I really enjoyed the hands-on approach. I now have a better understanding of how co-ops and internships play a role in getting ahead in corporate America,” said Danielle Bowles-Martin, a freshman in chemical engineering.