Georgia Southern University today announced a $225,000 contribution from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. to support research and education at the University. This gift continues Georgia Southern’s long relationship with Gulfstream, manufacturer of the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft, which began with former Gulfstream president and CEO Allen E. Paulson.

“Engaging in partnerships with Gulfstream allows Georgia Southern to continue to have a significant impact on preparing students for the workforce and strengthening communities for many generations to come,” said Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., president of Georgia Southern University. “It’s companies like Gulfstream that help open doors to other opportunities with companies that have similar needs and goals. Together we can make a difference in the lives, communities and companies of our city, state and region.”

The funds received from Gulfstream will go toward the newly designated Manufacturing Engineeringdegree program, the Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Education’s (i2STEMe) i2Explore STEM Festival, student co-op and internship opportunities and the College of Education’s National Youth at Risk Center (NYARC).

The Manufacturing Engineering degree program will receive $100,000 to advance the infrastructure of the program. The money will also help develop curriculum and purchase equipment to ensure a hands-on experience for students.

“Georgia Southern’s Manufacturing Engineering program is the first in the state,” said Mohammad Davoud, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology. “Gulfstream’s gift to support the program bolsters not only the company’s long-standing relationship with the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology, but also demonstrates how important this new program is to train professionals for local and regional industry.”

Students will continue to see the benefits of the gift with $75,000 earmarked for co-op programs and internships. As the fields of engineering, information technology (IT), pure sciences and business grow, the demand for hands-on experiences increases as well. Co-op programs involving engineers in training have become an industry standard for training and recruitment, and align with the University’s workforce preparation and development initiative.

The remainder of the monies will be divided equally between the NYARC and i2STEMe. A nationwide program, the NYARC focuses on interdisciplinary solutions to retention rates, substance abuse, youth violence and other threats facing our youth. The Center coordinates the efforts of University and community partners to provide outreach-related activities to address current challenges facing today’s youth. Another youth and community initiative is the i2Explore STEM Festival. The $25,000 annual support for the Festival will provide the necessary resources for the Institute to continue to educate, inspire and connect children to STEM.

“Gulfstream’s future depends on the strength of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Mark Bennett, senior manager, Community Investment, Gulfstream. “This partnership with Georgia Southern University allows us to support programs that reach students before they get to college and prepare students at the university level, both of which are crucial to our industry and our communities.”