Driving the Future: How GM Fuels the Next Generation of Scientists, Engineers, and Designers
General Motors has long stood at the forefront of innovation in the automotive world, powered by a workforce of thousands of engineers, designers, scientists, and technologists. These professionals form the backbone of GM’s market-leading vehicle portfolio and its push toward an all-electric future. But beyond building cars and trucks, GM is deeply invested in shaping the future of the technical workforce itself — a future that depends on strengthening education in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Today, the demand for skilled technical professionals far exceeds the available supply. Across the United States and beyond, companies in virtually every industry are competing for a limited pool of engineers, data scientists, and design talent. GM recognizes this challenge as both a business imperative and a societal responsibility — one that requires consistent investment, community partnerships, and a long-term vision for workforce development.
A Century-Long Commitment to Education
General Motors’ commitment to education runs deep. In 1923, GM acquired the School of Automobile Trades and transformed it into the General Motors Institute — known today as Kettering University, a premier engineering and technology school that has produced some of the brightest minds in the automotive world, including GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. This early investment established GM as a leader in developing technical expertise and remains a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy: innovation begins with education.
That legacy continues to grow stronger. Since 2021, GM has invested over $110 million in educational programs designed to advance technology learning and prepare the next generation for careers in STEAM. These funds support a broad range of initiatives — from secondary school technology programs to workforce training for adults — reflecting GM’s belief that career readiness should begin early and continue throughout life.
Of that total, nearly $44 million has been dedicated to providing early exposure to STEAM fields for younger students, and another $25 million has gone toward career training programs that equip workers with the skills needed for emerging industries such as electrification and automation.
Building the STEAM Talent Pipeline
GM’s approach to talent development goes far beyond philanthropy — it’s a strategic investment in the company’s future and in the resilience of the American economy. By sparking interest in science and engineering at an early age, GM hopes to close the skilled trades gap and prepare young people for a workforce increasingly defined by advanced technologies.
For GM, supporting STEAM education isn’t just about technical skills. It’s also about fostering creativity, curiosity, and collaboration — qualities that drive innovation across design studios, manufacturing plants, and research labs. Whether it’s developing electric propulsion systems, designing intuitive vehicle interfaces, or exploring artificial intelligence for self-driving cars, GM’s employees rely on a blend of scientific rigor and artistic imagination.
Investing in Lifelong Learning for Employees
GM’s commitment to learning doesn’t end when a person joins the company. Through initiatives like Technical Learning University (TLU), GM provides continuous education and upskilling opportunities for its workforce. Each year, more than 2,500 employees participate in programs covering advanced manufacturing, electrification, and emerging technologies — all aimed at helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Tarek Kaafarani, a senior execution engineer at GM’s Orion Assembly Plant in Michigan, credits TLU with accelerating his professional growth. “The instruction strengthened my skills as a new engineer,” Kaafarani explained. “It applied directly to my daily work in propulsion system robotics and automation, but it also gave me insight into applications beyond my role, which broadened my understanding.”
Kaafarani’s next goal is to step into engineering leadership, and he’s already planning additional training in program management, operational excellence, and leadership development — proof of how GM’s education ecosystem empowers employees to take ownership of their career paths.
A Legacy of Innovation — and a Vision for What’s Next
Few companies can match GM’s track record of technological breakthroughs. From pioneering the first automatic transmission and the first electric starter to producing the first mass-market electric vehicle, GM’s innovations have reshaped the global auto industry. The company also led advances in safety technologies such as airbags, child restraint systems, and anti-lock braking systems, while contributing significantly to environmental improvements through catalytic converters and emissions control innovations.
Today, GM continues to rank among the top 50 global companies for patents awarded, underscoring its ongoing leadership in technology and design. The next generation of GM breakthroughs is already underway — spanning fields such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, robotics, and software-defined vehicles.
This relentless innovation depends on people. By cultivating STEAM talent today, GM is ensuring that it has the creativity and expertise needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges — from designing smarter, safer vehicles to reimagining the entire mobility ecosystem.
Expanding Opportunities Through Partnerships
“At GM, we believe that investing in STEAM education is essential for building stronger communities and preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Dave Massaron, GM’s vice president of corporate citizenship. “By partnering with organizations that share our vision, we’re helping students discover their potential and pursue rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math.”
Those partnerships are producing measurable results. With STEM-related jobs projected to grow four times faster than non-STEM roles, GM’s collaborations with nonprofits, schools, and community groups are designed to reach students early — particularly in communities that have been historically underrepresented in technical fields.
Consider these 2024 highlights from GM’s educational outreach efforts:
- More than 300,000 students have been introduced to STEAM careers through GM’s nonprofit partners.
- Over 6,000 participants enrolled in STEAM-related training programs supported by GM grants.
- More than 463,000 students took part in hands-on STEAM exploration activities.
- Nearly 1 million students learned about career options in science and technology through GM-funded awareness programs.
Beyond the numbers, GM is making education more accessible and engaging. The company has teamed up with First Book to provide reading materials to K–12 students through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Summer Brain Gain program, helping children build literacy and curiosity around science and technology.
GM also funds EmployED, a program managed by the American Association of Community Colleges. EmployED connects community colleges directly with advanced manufacturing employers, ensuring that training programs align with real-world industry needs and prepare graduates for high-demand roles in the manufacturing and EV sectors.
Inspiring the Next Generation on National STEM Day
Each year, National STEM (and STEAM) Day, observed on November 8, offers an opportunity to celebrate progress and renew commitment to education. For GM, it’s a day to engage directly with communities — through career panels, robotics competitions, science workshops, and mentorship activities across the greater Detroit area and beyond.
This year, GM employees are volunteering their time at middle school robotics events, high school career discussions, and fourth-grade science fairs, helping to make science and engineering fun, interactive, and accessible. These grassroots efforts reflect GM’s broader philosophy: real progress begins when professionals give back, share their stories, and help students see themselves as future innovators.
Building a Smarter, More Inclusive Future
The future of mobility will be defined by data, design, and diversity — and GM’s investments in STEAM education are helping shape that future. By empowering students and workers alike, GM is not only addressing the skilled labor shortage but also building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem where everyone has a chance to contribute.
From its century-old roots in engineering education to its cutting-edge research in electrification and AI, General Motors is proving that the path to sustainable mobility begins with education — and that when industry and community unite to invest in people, the results can drive progress for generations to come.
Source Link:https://news.gm.com/
