Community involvement worldwide helps students build a better future Bechtel today announced that it will continue its Signature Program partnerships with four nonprofits: DiscoverE, Engineers Without Borders (EWB), FIRST®, and JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement). The nonprofit partnerships are instrumental in helping Bechtel make a difference in communities around the world.
Bechtel established its Signature Program partnerships in 2012 to adopt a more strategic approach to its global Stewardship, or corporate social responsibility, efforts. Bechtel Group Foundation has contributed more than $10.5 million to Bechtel’s Signature Program partners.
Annually, the company’s charitable giving, volunteerism, and community outreach impacts the U.S. and other countries, including Australia, Chile, Gabon, India, Philippines, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates. Specifically, we support over 50 FIRST® robotics teams each year, and conduct EWB projects in more than six countries. As part of our Building Future Leaders effort with Junior Achievement, we provide over 200 volunteers annually, and educate more than 5,000 students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Also, since 1990 Bechtel has been supporting DiscoverE’s Engineers Week, which now reaches more than 1.5 million students each year. Bechtel is a founding partner of DiscoverE, formerly National Engineers Week Foundation.
“Our Signature Program partners are strong brands, and by partnering we help build the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pipeline; champion innovation; and use our engineering and construction expertise to support sustainability projects in communities around the world,” said Charlene Wheeless, head of Global Corporate Affairs at Bechtel. “Bechtel colleagues are passionate and dedicated volunteers and, through our global Stewardship efforts, they contribute thousands of hours annually toward helping local communities build a better future.”
Read more about Bechtel in communities around the world.
About DiscoverE
The DiscoverE (formerly National Engineers Week Foundation) mission is to sustain and grow a dynamic engineering profession through outreach, education, celebration, and volunteerism. www.discovere.org.
About Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders is a global movement that helps disadvantaged communities improve their quality of life through education and sustainable engineering projects that are done in partnership with professional and student engineers. www.ewb-usa.org.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $25 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.
About JA Worldwide
JA Worldwide is one of the largest global NGOs dedicated to addressing fundamental social and economic challenges of young people by educating and empowering them to transform their future and own their economic success. Through cutting-edge, experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship, JA Worldwide effectively broadens the canvass of possibility for young people and enriches their ability to contribute to the strength of their families, communities, and economies. The 122-country JA Worldwide network is powered by 450,000 volunteers and mentors from all sectors of society, reaching 10.5 million students around the world. www.jaworldwide.org.
