A partnership with Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Engineering will help underrepresented and underprepared students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

MPC’s $150,000 commitment will strengthen the Engineering and Science Success Academy (ESSA) at MSU. The academy is a seven-week residential program administered by the Diversity Programs Office in the College of Engineering.

“Our close relationship with the ESSA program at MSU gives us an opportunity to identify engineering students with an interest in our industry very early in their college careers,” said Dave Foulke, HES standards and training manager. “We appreciate the seven-week program because it provides the students with early exposure to key skills like leadership and communications before they start their freshman classes. Those skills help prepare them to face the challenges of our hands-on co-op experience and to have a real impact on the work we do.”

ESSA is a two-year initiative that helps prepare STEM students from underrepresented populations for MSU’s four primary STEM colleges. Students participate in the seven-week bridge program to help them transition into their freshman year in college.

During a recent event at MSU, MPC representatives awarded eight students each with a $1,000 scholarship.

Partnerships such as this align with MPC’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.