Employee-owned firm also announces $120,000 in engineering scholarships
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Knoxville-based LDA Engineering has made a $500,000 renewed commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and also has dedicated $120,000 in college scholarship funds.
The company has invested in STEM and additional engineering education and outreach in all of its markets, and in 2015 pledged to reach $250,000 in 10 years. This year, the team reached that level in donations, pro bono work and volunteer hours and decided to celebrate 40 successful years by doubling the commitment. LDA Engineering’s new goal is to reach $500,000 in contributions by 2030.
“STEM professions like engineering are a cornerstone of the economy, and young people are the future of our profession,” said Jason Brooks, CEO of LDA Engineering. “Through support of nonprofits and educational groups in our markets in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, Nashville and Memphis, we’re blessed to share our passion for engineering with students at a young age to open their minds to the possibilities.
“I became even more driven to encourage the next generation of engineers when my daughter, Mary-James, and son, Hall, came along. Women still only account for 27% of the engineering workforce, and I believe that early exposure and encouragement in STEM subjects will make a difference in people choosing engineering as their calling.”
LDA Engineering also announced three scholarships to promote engineering education, totaling $120,000. The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee Tech University and Maryville College each will receive $40,000. The Tennessee Tech scholarship was dedicated to longtime employee and company partner Steve Bostic.
The current number of engineering professionals would need to grow by at least 15% to replace baby boomers aging out of the market, according to a 2021 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LDA Engineering aims to address that gap by partnering with organizations such as STEM Scouts of the Great Smoky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America; Future City Competition, Tennessee region; United Way of Blount County; and Adventure Science Center.
The firm estimated that more than 3,500 students have been impacted by LDA’s efforts so far.
“We want to say thank you to our clients for their belief in us, driving our recent growth and allowing us to give back to the next generation of STEM industry professionals,” Brooks said. “Every one of our 40 years is a testament to the support of the communities that LDA Engineering serves.”
For more information about LDA Engineering’s 40th anniversary celebrations and community involvement, follow the firm on social media at @LDAEngineering or visit ldaengineering.com/updates.
