October 16, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry joined Anthony Wayne Rotary Club members, City Utilities staff and donors to launch a new scholarship for students interested in the STEM field.
To develop and retain talent in the STEM fields, City Utilities is partnering with the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club to create a scholarship fund for City Utilities' interns.
"City Utilities and businesses around the community and the country need STEM field employees," said Mayor Henry. "This partnership with the Anthony Wayne Rotary will help young men and women achieve their goals and will serve our community well with bright, new talent in fields with employee shortages."
The scholarship will be set up through the Anthony Wayne Rotary Charitable Foundation. The partnership with City Utilities fits the Rotarian efforts to support clean water and education.
At a news conference this afternoon, the first two donors, Baker Tilly and Oakmont Development from Mike Thomas and Associates, presented checks to jump-start the program.
The parties share a common interest in providing opportunities for local individuals to attain higher levels of education to help supplement the local workforce.
“Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Locally, we see the impact reflected in community improvements and the support that changes lives and makes a difference,” said Chris Moring, President of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club. “We are excited to enter into a partnership to support local students on their educational journey.”
"Education is the great equalizer that builds a vibrant Fort Wayne. We are grateful to the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club for supporting this scholarship fund, and to the donors for their generous support of students," said Mayor Henry.
In examining current labor force trends, the American Action Forum determined that the U.S. will be short 1.1 million STEM workers in 2024. A separate study done by the National Association of Manufacturing and Deloitte suggests a STEM workers shortage of 2 million in 2025.
"This scholarship fund will support students in their studies and lead to their role in jobs that are important to our community's future. I look forward to seeing this program succeed and to watching lives transform through education," said Chris Moring, President of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club.
"We hope that students who receive this scholarship will benefit from the extra boost to reach the finish line. We are confident they will go on to successful careers and be the change-makers of tomorrow because of the foundation they received through this scholarship," said Kumar Menon, Director of City Utilities.
City Utilities has a successful internship program with more than 20 interns. The program allows the utility to develop and retain talent in water resources professionals. Intern alumni are filling many positions throughout the region at engineering and construction firms in related industries and critical positions with City Utilities. More than 200 students have been interns for City Utilities in the past 20 years.