UC College of Engineering and Applied Science receives support from P&G to promote diversity and inclusion

New fund supports development of future workforce

The University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is partnering with Procter & Gamble (P&G) to support diversity and inclusion programs at the college. The P&G Inclusive Excellence in Science and Engineering Fund embodies P&G’s commitment to giving back to the community, promoting diversity and inclusion in the engineering field while creating opportunities for careers in the industry as students understand the field.

“The purpose of engineering is to find innovative solutions for all people and to accomplish this, we need various backgrounds and perspectives,” said Victor Aguilar, Chief R&D and Innovation Officer at P&G. “By supporting the existing initiatives and programs UC has in place, we can catalyze and strengthen the pipeline of engineers, benefiting the field and its consumers.”

P&G has a history of partnering with CEAS, supporting its students through co-op placements, research experiences and scholarship funding.

This new fund will support the following:

• The Accelerated Engineering Degree (ACCEND) program, which helps students earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. P&G’s gift will provide fellowships for underrepresented fifth-year students in any of ACCEND’s degree program tracks.
• Students in the E3 Summer STEM Bridge Program, a seven-week camp experience that helps them transition from high school to their first year of college. Students from minority backgrounds receive financial support, mentorship and attend a seven-week camp prior to their first year.
• Attendance cost for female high school students from underrepresented minority populations to attend the Women of Color Summer Engineering Camp. The camp is a five-day hands-on experience that introduces them to engineering at UC and career opportunities in the field.
• Initiatives at the college’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement (IECE).

“This generous contribution from P&G will allow us to tangibly boost our efforts and create change in the engineering field,” said Whitney Gaskins, PhD, assistant dean of IECE. “P&G is both an advocate and ally for our students and programs. They are passionate about lifting our students and future engineers through philanthropy.”

Expanding inclusive excellence initiatives is an important part of UC’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here. Corporate-university partnerships have a significant role in shaping the future workforce.

“Our partnership with P&G will help address a national challenge — a lack of engineers from diverse backgrounds,” said UC President Neville G. Pinto. “I’m grateful for our shared goal to foster this shift in the engineering field. P&G’s generosity will allow us to do an even better job of attracting and educating underrepresented students as engineers at UC.”

P&G’s contribution supports student success, a priority of Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati, the comprehensive fundraising campaign for UC and UC Health.