The S-STEM BRIDGE Program: Engineers of the Future

Today we wrapped up the first Engineering S-STEM BRIDGE program at Norwich University, welcoming some of our inaugural cohort of Engineering S-STEM Scholars to campus for a week of learning, exploration, and community building before the start of the fall semester.

Throughout the week, our scholars had the opportunity to become familiar with campus while learning about the many resources available to help them succeed, including Financial Aid, the Norwich University Center for Career Readiness, Norwich Student Engagement, the Commandant's Office, Center for Academic Success and Achievement, and the Writing Center. They also refreshed key mathematics skills that will help prepare them for engineering and construction management coursework.

The week included hands-on experiences with the Norwich University AI Center, where Prof. Ali Al Bataineh and Research Associate Amrutaa Vibho '26 introduced students to autonomous drone programming and AI applications in engineering. Students also visited active engineering and construction projects with William Devers '24 of DuBois & King, Inc., and visited the firm's South Burlington office, where they met practicing engineers, learned about career opportunities, and received valuable advice from industry professionals.

Our scholars also participated in GIV Week activities, hearing from engineers across Vermont about exciting infrastructure projects and attending a career panel discussion. Along the way, they met with academic advisors to prepare their fall schedules, built friendships with one another, and, of course, enjoyed some well-earned fun with trips to Ben & Jerry's, bowling, and mini golf.

This week captured what Norwich engineering is all about: building community, strengthening academic readiness, engaging in hands-on learning, connecting with industry, and preparing students for success from day one.

This experience would not have been possible without the dedication and support of so many people. A heartfelt thank you to Amrutaa Vibho, Ali Al Bataineh, Bernard Kwame Adu, William Devers, DuBois & King, Inc., Sarah Harris, Meghan Oliver, M.Ed, COL William Passalacqua, Crystal Drown, Christin Martin, Kathryn Warrender-Hill, Karen Vatz, Darlene Olsen, Michael Cross, Cristy Boarman, Karen Supan, P.E., Tara Kulkarni, and Jess Amell for helping make this inaugural program such a success.

We are excited to welcome our Engineering S-STEM Scholars back to campus this fall and look forward to watching them thrive over the next four years. Welcome to the Norwich engineering family!