The NCSEA SEA Grant Program awards SEAs funding for projects that advance their SEA and the structural engineering profession in accordance with the NCSEA Mission Statement. Supported by the NCSEA Foundation, the SEA Grant Program has delivered more than $70,000 in grants since its inception! Here are the 2022 winners and their projects.
Structural Engineers Association of New Mexico (SEANM)
Continuing Creation of the Young Member Group (YMG)
SEANM started a YMG about a year ago. YMG aims to spread the word that there is an active structural engineering community here in NM and provide resources for young engineers. The YMG of SEANM’s goal is to support practicing young structural engineers. They aim to provide various resources to advance career growth and development and assist in becoming highly qualified professionals. They are beginning to offer mentorship programs with senior structural engineers and offer technical advancement opportunities. They also hope to provide young engineers leadership and soft skills advancement opportunities.
Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC)
Gingerbread Engineering Youth Outreach
In December 2022, SEAOSC will host the Southern California Gingerbread Challenge, a design and construction competition. This event will have 30+ teams of engineers, architects, and construction officials working throughout one day to build gingerbread structures to demonstrate the engineering and design industry. Utilizing tabletop shake tables, this is a hands-on (and edible) outreach activity that will engage students and introduce them to the A/E/C industry with an emphasis on building stability. Youth will not only have a chance to tour the mesmerizing gingerbread structures on display but also be able to build and then shake their very own creations.
Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT)
Student Member and Young Member Group Outreach, Engagement, and Growth
SEAoT’s project will increase the organization’s visibility on college and university campuses in Texas that provide degrees in structural engineering. Their plans for 2023 are to recruit and engage new members to this group. Funds will be applied to launch social media campaigns to increase awareness and visibility of SEAoT, host live networking events on campus and at the annual convention, and build a mentorship program. This project will advance the mission of NCSEA by piquing the interest of young members and students to join the organization.
Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC)
Emerging Members Event
In March 2023, SEAOSC will host its reimagined Emerging Leaders event, which will be year two of the program launch for an expanded mentorship program, an opportunity to recognize student scholarship winners, and a skill-building program that will provide emerging and established leaders with essential communication and networking tools to accelerate their success. This program will help establish a foundation for our emerging leaders and reinforce best practices for more experienced members.
Structural Engineers Association of San Diego (SEAOSD)
Business Forum Committee
The SEAOSD Business Forum Committee plans to work with adjacent industries and develop a true network for senior leadership, mid-level management, and entry-level engineers in the area. The BDC was created to cater to small business owners with monthly committee meetings and quarterly presentations from supporting industries (Financials/Accounting, E&O Insurance, Business [Path to Principal], etc.). The quarterly meetings will supplement core committee efforts and offer networking, guidance, and collaboration with other committees and industries. The goal is to promote a “rising tide” mentality amongst San Diego structural engineers and perform as an aspirational committee to attract new engineers, undergrads, and non-member local firms.
The NCSEA Foundation is proud of its accomplishments in 2022 through the annual SEA grants program and the Diversity in Structural Engineering college scholarships.The NCSEA Foundation strives to advance the science and practice of structural engineering by supporting NCSEA, the state SEAs, and practicing structural engineers. The generosity of our donors makes it possible for the Foundation to enhance inclusion in the industry, enable important research, support young professionals and provide grants to SEAs for future innovation. Scan this code to learn more about the work of the NCSEA Foundation and consider donating as we look forward to growing our initiatives in 2023!