New Class of CPS Students to be Inducted as F.H. Paschen Engineering Scholars

In 2015 F.H. Paschen partnered with George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP), a CPS selective enrollment high school in East Garfield Park, to support the school in developing a new engineering academy to improve students’ knowledge of and access to career opportunities in fields such as engineering and construction. This partnership resulted in the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, which goes way beyond an average internship. Three years of STEM curriculum, summer internships, exposure to college engineering programs, construction site visits, classroom-to-site applications, and one-on-one support ensure students have the opportunity to seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence.

On Thursday, May 31, F.H. Paschen will hold its annual “Hard Hat Ceremony” to induct new scholars into the three-year Paschen Engineering Scholars Program. Past scholars have worked on Chicago infrastructure projects such as the CTA’s 95th Street Redline Terminal Improvement Project and the new 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge over Lake Shore Drive.

“At Paschen a key core value is for us to seek and provide opportunities for all. Our affiliation with GWCP provides Paschen with a way to invest in our community by providing a great opportunity for young people,” said Chuck Freiheit, Chief Operating Officer of F.H. Paschen. “This program offers a hands-on approach to STEM education through hundreds of hours working on real-world projects throughout our city and in our scholars’ neighborhoods, which will ultimately prepare them to become the next great engineer, architect or construction manager.”

“Our goal for the Paschen Scholars Program is to follow these talented young people through their college years by continuing to provide real world summer intern opportunities,” said Jim Blair, Chief Executive Officer of F.H. Paschen. “Upon completion of their college studies, they begin a challenging and satisfying professional career by joining our Paschen team.”

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program includes hands-on activities that allow the Scholars to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities and gain real world work experience. To apply, students must first complete a group project and then participate in interviews with leaders from Paschen.