MANALAPAN — In an effort to educate the engineers of tomorrow, representatives of Schoor DePalma have been actively involved in helping local Cub Scout packs learn about the engineering profession.
Over the past few months, Schoor DePalma has hosted Cub Scouts from Pack 86 in Marlboro and Pack 205 in Middletown. Cub Scouts who visited Schoor DePalma were introduced to engineering as a career and learned about such things as how to view a site plan and how to measure a property line.
Most recently, on Jan. 26, Schoor DePalma’s involvement helped the Middletown Cub Scout pack attain all 20 Scout badges as the children prepare for graduation day to Boy Scouts on Feb. 6.
"I think it is wonderful that a firm as large as Schoor DePalma can still find the time to contribute to the community," said Joanne Taylor, Den Leader of Den 9 of the Middletown Cub Scout Pack 205. "For these Scouts to have engineering explained to them in a way that is understandable and fun can really make a difference in how they view engineering as a possible future profession. I hope our Cub Scouts will be as willing to give back to the community when they are grown."
According to a press release, Schoor DePalma’s work with local Cub Scout packs is one of the many ways that the firm is involved in educating the adults of tomorrow on pursuing a career in civil engineering. The company also provides annual scholarships to 13 engineering students at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and is actively involved in providing internships throughout the year to college students at schools across the region.
Schoor DePalma’s work comes at an important time, as according to a recent National Science Board study, "The Science and Engineering Workforce: Realizing America’s Potential," there is a lack of graduates in the fields of science and engineering. The report stated that the United States is failing to graduate an acceptable number of science and engineering students because it is not doing as good a job as foreign countries in showing students the benefits of careers in both professions.
"From our standpoint, we believe that it is not only important to invest in our company, but to invest in the future leaders of our profession," said Stephen DePalma, chairman and CEO of Schoor DePalma. "We need to help students develop real world skills and learn about the benefits of an engineering profession before they choose a career field to ultimately pursue in the future."