Six Tulsa Schools Work To Bring More Engineering Grads To Green Country

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Six Tulsa schools are banding together to bring more engineering graduates to Oklahoma. The Tulsa Alliance for Engineering was officially formed Friday to address the need for engineering graduates for Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma over the next decade.

Oklahoma is likely to experience shortages of approximately 200 aerospace engineers and 400 electrical engineers by 2014, with shortages of additional engineering specialties possible in that same time frame, according to data from the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development.

"The Tulsa Alliance for Engineering is Tulsa's opportunity to recruit, train, and retain Oklahoma's best and brightest students," said Kara Gae Neal, Superintendent/CEO, Tulsa Tech.

"Our goal is to expose students early on to the various fields of engineering so that their interest and passions are set by the time they enter college."

Tulsa Chamber of Commerce data from 2009 shows engineers earned 47 percent more than the average wage earner from all industry groups in Tulsa. One engineer in Tulsa translates into a $295,000 in output in the Tulsa-area economy, according to the Chamber.

The Alliance members will work with the business sector to create more opportunities for student internships and mentorships, and engineering awareness and education programs for elementary and secondary school students.

Tulsa Alliance for Engineering agreement was signed by presidents from Tulsa Tech, Tulsa Community College, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, Oral Roberts University and University of Tulsa.

Students or businesses interested in the Tulsa Alliance for Engineering can call Susan Thompson, program coordinator, at 918-595-7557 or email info@tulsaallianceforengineering.com