GREENVILLE, S.C. – November 2, 2026 – The GE Vernova Foundation today celebrated the official launch of Engineers of Change in Greenville, with the first students beginning programming this fall. The launch event brought together GE Vernova leadership, local government officials, Clemson University partners and community leaders to highlight the program’s role in creating a pipeline for future innovators who will build a more sustainable energy future.
First announced in April 2026, Engineers of Change is a three-year, $4.5 million initiative in two locations – Greenville, South Carolina and Staffordshire, UK. In Greenville alone, the program aims to reach 3,000 students. By bringing engineering to life through hands-on learning, real-world design challenges and direct mentorship from industry professionals, the program aims to ignite curiosity and confidence in students ages 13–18.
“The GE Vernova Foundation has been a dedicated partner in expanding opportunity and connecting education to the workforce needs of our communities,” said Ben Ayers, President of Clemson University. “Engineers of Change puts that partnership into action by giving young people in the Upstate hands-on experiences, mentorship and a clear view of the opportunities available to them in engineering and energy. We are grateful for the GE Vernova Foundation’s continued investment and, as the program’s first university partner in the United States, proud that Clemson is helping prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
The launch event at the Advanced Manufacturing Works (AMW) facility featured a panel discussion with industry experts and educators, as well as live engineering demonstrations.
The program focuses on two core components:
- Engineering Spark: Introduces students ages 13–14 to foundational engineering concepts through dynamic, hands-on learning.
- Engineering Catalyst: An immersive, two-year program for students ages 15–18 featuring design challenges and career readiness workshops designed to equip students with the skills to pursue engineering.
“GE Vernova’s longstanding partnership with Clemson University exemplifies the impact that strong industry-university collaboration can have on student success,” said Angie Leidinger, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Clemson University Board of Trustees. “Through the Engineers of Change initiative and continued investment in our students, GE Vernova is helping Clemson prepare future leaders with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in today’s workforce. We are thankful that GE Vernova is a Strategic Corporate Partner of the university.”
“Engineering offers a rewarding career, and our state and nation need more engineers to meet the challenges ahead,” said Anand Gramopadhye, Dean of Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. “Through Engineers of Change, we can help students build the confidence to pursue engineering and prepare them to make a lasting impact on the profession and their communities.”
Engineers of Change is delivered in collaboration with Clemson University’s PEER program and the global nonprofit FHI 360, ensuring that programming is aligned with local workforce needs. Through this collaboration, the GE Vernova Foundation continues to put its purpose, The Energy to Change the World, into practice.
“Meeting the world’s growing energy needs will require not only breakthrough technology, but people — bold thinkers, problem-solvers and next-generation leaders,” said Kristin Carvell, President, GE Vernova Foundation and Chief Communications Officer, GE Vernova. “Our goal with Engineers of Change is to teach young people in Greenville more about this exciting career path and the purpose and impact that come along with it and inspire them to pursue a career in engineering.”
“We are proud to see Engineers of Change take root here in Greenville,” said Mayor Knox White. “This partnership creates a unique pathway for our students, providing them with the practical skills and encouragement to pursue engineering as a mission-driven career that can change the world.”
GE Vernova and the GE Vernova Foundation continue to invest heavily in the future of Greenville, driving impact through both education and community-building. Since 2021, the company and the Foundation have together granted nearly 300 scholarships—including the John Lammas Annual Scholarship for engineering students and GE Vernova STAR Scholarships supporting employees’ children—while also funding skilled trades and technical programs, such as granting $100,000 for Future of Energy Skills scholarships in Greenville.
Additionally, the 2026 opening of the state-of-the-art GE Vernova Park in Greenville marked a major milestone in creating vibrant, connected communities. Serving as the home pitch for Greenville Triumph SC and Greenville Liberty SC, the venue welcomed over 45,000 fans in its inaugural season while doubling as a year-round hub for soccer clinics, yoga and World Cup watch parties. Through shared volunteer efforts like Hands On Greenville Day and programs like the Triumph’s “Read to Score” initiative—which rewarded 2,703 students for literacy—GE Vernova is proud to invest in the social, physical and educational well-being of the Upstate region.
Learn more about Engineers of Change.
