The GE Aerospace Foundation has joined hands with United Way Bengaluru to bring the Next Engineers initiative to India for the first time. The program, launching in Bengaluru, aims to expand access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and guide young students toward careers in engineering and applied sciences.
“Bengaluru has always stood at the forefront of engineering and innovation,” said Meghan Thurlow, President of the GE Aerospace Foundation and Global Head of Public Affairs at GE Aerospace. “Bringing Next Engineers to this city gives us the opportunity to empower local students with real-world learning and prepare them to lead in tomorrow’s engineering landscape.”
Targeting students aged 13 to 18, the program offers practical learning experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and support in preparing for university. Globally, Next Engineers has already reached over 26,000 students, with a mission to strengthen the talent pipeline and encourage diversity in the engineering field.
United Way Bengaluru, with nearly two decades of experience in community impact, will lead local operations of the program. This partnership builds on GE Aerospace’s long-standing employee volunteer efforts in Bengaluru, offering a strong foundation to mentor and support students.
“Bengaluru is the heart of India’s engineering strength,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru. “With this partnership, we aim to unlock that potential in students from underserved communities, giving them access to the skills, exposure, and confidence needed to succeed in a demanding field.”
The four-year program includes two main components: Engineering Discovery for early high school students, and Engineering Academy for those preparing for higher education. Academy participants will take part in hands-on design challenges, career guidance, and college prep workshops. Those who complete the program and pursue an engineering degree may also be eligible for scholarships. Programming is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with a goal of reaching more than 4,000 students in Bengaluru by 2030.
“We’re proud to see this program come to life here in Bengaluru,” said Alok Nanda, CTO of GE Aerospace’s India Technology Centre. “Our engineers are deeply committed to giving back and supporting the next generation of problem-solvers. This initiative will help bridge skill gaps and build a more inclusive engineering workforce.”
Bengaluru marks the first launch of Next Engineers in the Asia-Pacific region. The program recently expanded to Cincinnati, Ohio, and Warsaw, Poland, with further global rollouts planned. GE Aerospace Foundation has pledged up to $20 million over five years to extend the program’s reach and impact.
The GE Aerospace Foundation, a nonprofit funded by GE Aerospace, supports initiatives in education, workforce training, and disaster relief in communities where the company operates. Relaunched in 2024 following GE Aerospace’s transition to a standalone company, the Foundation continues a century-long legacy of social impact.
