The non-profit Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) held its 54nd Annual National Engineers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Week Banquet at John Deere's Worldwide Headquarters in Moline, Illinois on February 25th. 16 scholarships were given to high school seniors in pursuit of STEM-related degrees worth $36,000. Also recognized were 7 local engineers and scientists, a local educator, family and one of its member societies as well as a new inductee into the Order of the Engineer Link. Keynote speakers on STEM education were very special guests: Lt. Governor of Iowa Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor of Illinois Evelyn Sanguinetti.
The QCESC is an umbrella organization representing more than 20 engineering, science and technical societies in the Quad City region with approximately 3,000 associated professional members. One of the QCESC's primary missions is promoting engineering and science to area youth through scholarships and outreach.
The QCESC Scholarship program was set up to encourage students in their pursuit of STEM degrees. The first scholarship was awarded in 1994 to a single student from Bettendorf High School. Since then, QCESC has awarded a total of 86 student scholarships totally more than $134,000.
The purpose of the QCESC awards is to pay tribute and recognize Engineering & Science professionals & educators whose exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on technology, society and their profession. This includes helping to promote awareness of STEM education and careers in our local communities.
The Order of the Engineer - QCESC Link #271 inducted its newest member, Danielle Frank, an engineer at Alcoa, to recognize her obligations of the engineering profession in the Quad Cities.
More complete information about each scholarship and award recipient along with individual photos including with the Lt. Governors is available on the QCESC website with this link: http://www.qcesc.org/Banquet/
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