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Advancing ethnic and gender equity in engineering education
Faculty endowments | Hispanic Engineering Science and Technology Program | National Society of Black Engineers | Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program | Urban League | Women of TI Fund
TI supports educational opportunities for underrepresented ethnic groups and women to foster success in engineering and science. Descriptions of some of these programs are below.
Faculty endowments
In 2008, the TI Foundation granted $2 million to Southern Methodist University (SMU) to endow the TI Distinguished Chair in Engineering Education. Delores M. Etter, Ph.D., a renowned engineer, academician and innovative technology leader, was named to the chair. She will also become the director of the school's new Caruth Institute for Engineering Education. The institute aims to become a nationally recognized center of excellence that will provide an environment for the collaborative development of strategies, programs and public policies to reinvigorate engineering education.
Hispanic Engineering Science and Technology (HESTEC) Program
TI sponsors the HESTEC program, which is organized by the University of Texas-Pan American (one of the country's top Hispanic-serving institutions) to address the critical shortage of U.S. scientists and engineers. In 2008, TI's Education Technology business contributed $10,000 in cash and $15,000 in technology to support the program. We also hosted technology workshops and presented on the importance of STEM education for college and career preparedness in the 21st century.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
As a member of the NSBE's Board of Corporate Affiliates, TI promotes its mission to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. The organization boasts more than 30,000 members and 266 chapters nationwide.
In addition to providing more than $750,000 to NSBE over the past five years, TI has supported tutorial programs, group study sessions, junior high/high school outreach programs, technical seminars and workshops, and professional chapters. We also have contributed to the NSBE national magazine and participated in NSBE national and regional conventions for more than 20 years.
In 2008, TI Chairman, President and CEO Rich Templeton challenged more than 8,000 young engineers to champion innovation and set their sights on making a difference during a keynote address at the NSBE's 34th annual national convention. Templeton also accepted the Corporate Diversity Leadership Award on behalf of the company and presented TI Senior Vice President Arthur L. George with the 2008 NSBE Lifetime Achievement in Industry Award.
Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP)
In 2007, the TI Foundation gave $310,000 to the Dallas-based TexPREP as part of a three-year commitment. TexPREP identifies achieving middle and high school students with an interest in engineering, science, technology and other mathematics-related areas and strengthens their potential for careers in those fields. With a focus on building a high-quality and diverse 21st century work force, women and members of minority groups – traditionally underrepresented in these areas – are special target groups.
TexPREP's success statewide is clear. As of 2008:
- 83 percent of the college attendees graduated from college.
- 79 percent of the college graduates are members of minority groups.
- 49 percent of the college graduates are science, mathematics or engineering majors.
- 75 percent of the science, mathematics and engineering graduates are members of traditionally underrepresented groups in these fields.
Urban League
TI employees support the Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals, which engages in various community service projects. It also generates programs in the area of economic empowerment and professional development. TI has given more than $40,000 in grants to the Urban League since 2004, including $11,500 in grants in 2008.
In 2008, TI's Community Involvement Team (CIT) invested in the Establish Principles, Develop Skills, Guide Dreams and Empower Actions (EDGE) program, which serves more than 150 Dallas high school students. More than 20 TI volunteers were involved in a one-day program at TI headquarters to prepare these students for college, promote science and math careers, and provide mentorship.
Women of TI Fund
In 2000, a group of senior TI female executives decided to pool their resources instead of making individual contributions and formed the Women of TI Fund. Their mission is to expand science, technology, engineering and math education for girls in the Dallas area.
They developed a "High-Tech High Heels" strategy – a three-pronged gender equity approach designed to:
- Reduce math and science educator biases through gender equity training programs.
- Dispel stereotypes through guidance counselor workshops.
- Increase girls' confidence through summer physics camps for girls and to increase the enrollment and passing rates of female students in Advanced Placement courses.
In 2008, the TI Foundation committed $349,000 to the SMU School of Engineering for these gender equity programs.
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