Fueling Futures

Navistar partners with the College to provide scholarships for underrepresented engineering students

Joel told his mom. Stephany told her parents. Stella told her “mum” and her roommate.

One by one, a group of North Central students learned they would be part of the first cohort to receive a Navistar Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholarship. Their dream of pursuing a career in engineering was suddenly more attainable.

Based in neighboring Lisle, Navistar, Inc. is a leading international maker of commercial trucks, buses, engines and service parts. The company has committed $750,000 over five years to be allocated primarily through scholarships to underrepresented engineering students who attend North Central.

Established in 2018, the College’s undergraduate engineering program offers majors in computer, mechanical and electrical engineering. A founding commitment was to disrupt national trends with respect to graduating engineers from underserved communities, in addition to producing engineers who will change the world and be prepared to adapt to new challenges throughout their careers.

“Navistar appreciates the way North Central College is preparing engineers for the 21st century,” said Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “From the beginning, they have supported our liberal arts-based approach, because they understand the need for highly trained

“Navistar and North Central College are focused on student success by providing both the teaching and real-world experiences necessary for success in engineering today,” said Frank Harwath, professor and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department.

“Navistar and North Central College are focused on student success by providing both the teaching and real-world experiences necessary for success in engineering today.”

Frank Harwath, professor and chair, the mechanical and electrical engineering department professionals who are technically skilled and prepared to offer leadership through cultural competence, teamwork, and excellent written and oral communication skills.”

The scholarship program is one part of the Engineering in Education 4.0 Partnership between the College and Navistar. A second component is the launch of the Navistar Integrated Manufacturing Center, a simulated work environment within North Central’s Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering.

The collaboration is an example of how the College’s location along the DuPage County I-88 corridor positions students near career opportunities. Several North Central students have also interned at Navistar facilities.

“Navistar is committed to supporting access to STEM education,” said Catrina Mitchell, engineering director, Navistar. “It is so important for us to help the next generation of engineers in order to achieve our vision to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility.”