The GE Aerospace Foundation has announced the expansion of its Next Engineers college readiness program to Bengaluru, India. The initiative aims to support students interested in pursuing careers in engineering and is part of a broader effort to expand engineering education programs globally.
As part of the expansion, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in collaboration with employees at its Bengaluru facility, will work to identify an academic partner, with an announcement expected in late 2025. The selection of Bengaluru was based on factors including the company’s existing employee base, manufacturing and engineering presence, and anticipated program engagement.
Alok Nanda, Chief Technology Officer at GE Aerospace’s India Technology Centre, stated that the expansion would enhance student engagement in engineering careers, building on the company’s history of collaboration with academic institutions in India.
GE Aerospace Foundation President Meghan Thurlow noted that nearly 22,000 students globally have participated in the Next Engineers program, and the expansion to Bengaluru is expected to extend its reach further. The program is currently active in Cincinnati, Ohio; Greenville, South Carolina; Johannesburg, South Africa; Staffordshire, United Kingdom; and Warsaw, Poland.
In 2024, the GE Aerospace Foundation committed $20 million to the Next Engineers program through 2030. The funding aims to support students from middle school to college in developing engineering skills and career pathways.
GE Aerospace has operated in India for over 40 years, with its engines powering commercial and defense aircraft. The company’s technology center in Bengaluru has been engaged in aviation research and development for 25 years, and its manufacturing facility in Pune contributes to the company’s global supply chain.
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