New UC Scholarship for Young Female Engineers

Addressing the need for diversity and the difficulty in finding female engineers,

L-3 Cincinnati Electronics

(L-3 CE) has partnered with the

University of Cincinnati

, the

University of Cincinnati Foundation

and the

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science

 in the creation of a scholarship which provides support to first-year female engineering students. The ability for L-3 CE to extend

co-op opportunities

to the Scholars served also as an inspiration for the creation of this scholarship, spearheaded by Karen Lipscomb, the L-3 CE Talent Acquisition Lead.

Beginning in 2016-17 academic year, the scholarship awards for a maximum of two semesters and is preferable to incoming female freshman in

electrical engineering

at UC CEAS. Deserving students are selected by the appropriate admissions officials based on financial need, academic accomplishments during the high school career, community service and perceived potential.

L-3 President Russ Walker reflects, “Our desire in the creation of the UC scholarship is to provide support to first year female engineers who display a determined personal and academic passion and could benefit from financial assistance. L-3 Cincinnati Electronics desires to recruit more female engineers and broaden our workforce. Workforce diversity brings diversity of thought and innovation, allowing us to remain at the technological forefront and change our world through our technology.”

Inaugural scholarship recipients Kathryn Harry and Abby Jones recently enjoyed a private luncheon with President Walker and UC CEAS Dean Teik C. Lim, in honor of their award.

Kathryn Harry

hails from Findlay High School and, in addition to majoring in electrical engineering, she pursues her athletic passion on the UC Equestrian Team. She says of her award, “I am paying for college myself so you have significantly lightened my financial burden…riding horses can be an expensive hobby, so thank you again for selecting me to receive this scholarship and allowing me to continue to pursue not only my academic dream, but also my athletic goals.”

Abby Jones

grew up on a small farm in Morning View, Ky., where she attended Simon Kenton High School. As a member of the girls' basketball team and student council, she was also actively involved in the National Honors Society. Abby has not yet chosen an engineering major but she envisions herself completing her co-op rotations with the likes of Toyota or P&G. Abby reflects, “With this scholarship, I was able to go through my first semester of college in a more stable financial situation and could work part-time, in addition, to save up for my next semester finances. This is something that wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t been awarded this generous scholarship.”

UC CEAS Dean Lim says, “We are pleased to receive such generous support from our partner, L-3 CE. Together, we hope to further bridge the STEM gender gap. Such diversity is a hallmark of a rich and successful educational program because it leads a broader understanding of the world at large, yields differing views and perspectives to discussions, and also brings fresh ideas and approaches to problem solving.”

President Walker adds, “It is our hope that some of the recipients of our scholarships work at L-3 CE in the future. UC is held in high esteem in our area and has been an excellent partner. We are proud to say that many of our employees are UC alumni.”