It has been said that students who are inspired are happier individuals who perform better than those confined to an environment that lacks consistent and progressive encouragement. The Ford Motor Company Fund recognizes the importance of motivating our future workforce and continues to encourage students in pursuit of degrees in engineering and technology-related programs with scholarship funding. The Ford Fund granted $120,000 to the SME Education Foundation to support the Ford Blue Oval Scholars Operation Better World Detroit program and the Michigan Engineering Zone.

 

This year, through the Blue Oval Scholars program, the Ford Motor Fund celebrated the achievements of more than 140 graduating seniors from ten Detroitarea high schools. The support doesn’t stop there. The Ford grant will also provide funding to students who enrolled in the Michigan Engineering Zone (the MEZ), the University Of Michigan College Of Engineering high-school student support program. The MEZ is designed to prepare students to compete in a global economy with an advanced manufacturing education. Each of four students received a $5,000, one-year scholarship to assist with college expenses. The winning students were recommended and selected based on their outstanding performance and leadership skills displayed during this season at the MEZ. Each student will be pursuing a four-year engineering degree.

 

“Ford’s donation will help put Detroit metro area youth on the right path to become the next generation of engineers and technology workers,” comments Bart Aslin, CEO of the SME Education Foundation. “Young people have to be supported and made more aware of how advanced technologies are redefining the world, and the importance of their being educated in order for them to be a part of it. Ford’s ongoing commitment helps ensure an effective, efficient, and innovative workforce.”