GE Vernova Foundation Celebrates Launch of Engineers of Change Program

The GE Vernova Foundation celebrated the official launch of Engineers of Change in Greenville on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, 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.

“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 comes along with it and inspire them to pursue a career in engineering.”

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.