giving the opportunity to impact our world through science, technology, engineering, and math.
Established in early 2019, the Primera Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of STEM careers through scholarship, education, technology and mentorship. By exposing students who would otherwise have limited access to STEM we provide opportunities for them to explore STEM-related concepts, in hopes of planting a seed that will grow into a passion to pursue careers in STEM fields. We’re inspiring the next generation of engineers.
The Primera Foundation’s kickoff event took place in June 2019 as volunteers from Primera Engineers gathered to help Youth Crossroads in Berwyn, IL paint, organize, and finalize the renovations at their youth community center. As a haven for community kids, the center is now a place where both children and parents can benefit from positive activities, counseling, and greater access to community resources.
On June 13, 2019 the Primera Foundation awarded its first scholarship during the Chicago Engineers Foundation (CEF) Incentive Award Celebration at the Union League Club of Chicago. 32 high school graduates and 62 college students received awards supporting their engineering education. The CEF class of 2019 (pictured above) holds almost equal numbers of male and female participants, with about forty percent as first generation in there family to attend college. Each of these brilliant students will attend university engineering programs locally and across the country.
In May 2019, the Primera Foundation made a 4-year commitment to the Chicago Engineers Foundation (CEF) Award Program by donating $20,000 toward scholarships for aspiring engineering students in Chicago. CEF’s mission is to encourage and empower young people to become the next generation of engineers through scholarship opportunities, outreach to educational institutions, and promotion of interest in engineering careers.
On July 24, 2020 the Chicago Engineers Foundation (CEF) held its virtual Incentive Award Celebration, honoring the Class of 2020. The 2020 class includes 76 high school and college students who are pursuing careers in engineering. The Primera Foundation was proud to sponsor four scholarship awards as part of our multi-year partnership with CEF. These merit-based scholarships will help students fund academic costs tied to their STEM education.
The Primera Foundation held its inaugural fundraising event, STEMFEST, on October 3, 2021.The family-friendly event took place at Brookfield Zoo and raised over $57,000 in support of STEM education in our communities. Our event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, guests, and volunteers.
In 2022, the Primera Foundation began our partnership with the Chicago State Foundation through its 1stGEN Scholarship program. The annual scholarship gala supports programs and students of Chicago State University (CSU), the only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois, bridging the gap of racial inequity. Primera Foundation President Erin Inman serves on the Board of Directors of Chicago State Foundation to further our impact.
In November 2023, the Primera Foundation granted our first scholarship through WTS Philadelphia, whose mission is focused on creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry. Two more scholarships were awarded in 2024.
In May 2024, the Primera Foundation proudly renewed its commitment to CEF by pledging an additional $25,000 in scholarships to support engineering students. In July, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of their students at the Primera Engineers headquarters office. During their visit, students were introduced to the firm, enjoyed a comprehensive office tour, and engaged in a lively discussion with engineering professionals about their diverse career paths.
After successfully hosting three consecutive STEMFEST events, the Primera Foundation switched gears to introduce a new fundraiser in the Fall. On November 7, 2024, we proudly launched our inaugural Forward Focused event in celebration of National STEM/STEAM Day. Held at the Primera Engineers office, the evening included a networking reception, setting the stage for an engaging panel discussion featuring some of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry's leading figures. With the addition of Forward Focused, and generosity of our supporters, the Foundation has raised a whopping $236,294 to date, in support of making STEM education accessible to all.
