Garver, students build cities together

In an effort to invest in the next generation of engineers and innovators who will design our nation’s bridges, runways, and water and wastewater treatment plants, engineers from Garver make it a priority to help spark an interest in STEM careers in young students.

As part of this commitment, Garver again partnered with the Museum of Discovery’s Girls in STEM program in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Alex Foundation’s Architecture + Design Summer Camp in Conway, Arkansas, to help middle school students explore STEM careers with hands-on activities led by STEM professionals.

At these summer events, Garver female engineers shared how they became interested in their field, provided insight into the life of an engineer, and discussed various careers in STEM with the students.

The students worked alongside the engineers to design an ideal city. Using topographic maps, they collaborated to determine locations for public works infrastructure, such as airports, public spaces, water supply and treatment facilities, parks, hospitals, and more.

They then presented their finalized cities and offered explanations of how geography was used to improve the quality of life in the planning of a city. At both events, students learned how engineering impacts their everyday lives in their communities.

“We want to show students that there are so many options for careers in STEM,” said Garver Transportation Engineer Josi Gass. “It’s a great feeling when a young person realizes how crucial of a role civil engineering has in his or her day-to-day life and starts to look at his or her community in a new way, whether that’s starting to notice things like storm drains or the roads and bridges on which he or she travels.”

Check out this video to see Garver mentors and the students in action as they learn about the importance of engineering in building thriving communities.

In addition to providing mentorship and program support, GarverGives, the firm’s corporate giving program, provides financial support to these organizations.

To learn more about Garver’s charitable giving, visit our GarverGives page.