Employee-owned HNTB has partnered with the Michigan Department of Transportation, University of Michigan and Lawrence Technological University in hosting Engineering Discovery Day, a daylong event that introduces local high school students to transportation engineering.
Len Becker, who leads HNTB’s Michigan office, spoke about the event saying: “We take great pride in enhancing our communities by moving complex infrastructure projects from planning through implementation.” He continued, “Engineering Discovery Day is a high-energy program we use to raise awareness of science, technology, engineering and math while getting students excited about a career in the transportation field. It is a privilege for us to support MDOT in this unique, hands-on experience.”
The day offered students the chance to learn the science behind engineering projects, including road designs, bridge designs, concrete materials and intelligent transportation systems. They also had the opportunity to mix concrete and pour sample beams and cylinders, which were then tested and broken under load to observe how they responded differently.
As those familiar with employee-owned companies already know, S ESOP businesses play an integral part in their communities. A 2012 study by Alex Brill, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, found that the unique strengths of employee ownership, including its strong community, drove higher company gains and employment compared to the general private sector.
ESCA thanks HNTB, the Michigan Department of Transportation, University of Michigan and Lawrence Technological University for their time giving the next generation of engineers a valuable hands-on experience.
HNTB is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and construction contractors. It has been an important part of the Michigan transportation engineering community for more than 20 years.