Business Details
26 Years
experience
Empowering Students Through STEAM Education
Engineers Alliance for the Arts was founded in 2000 with a mission to inspire and educate students by merging arts with engineering, architecture, and construction. Our Student Impact Project (SIP) provides a hands-on, project-based STEAM curriculum led by industry professionals, fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Since our inception, we have impacted over 6,500 underserved high school students through partnerships with educators, engineers, and designers. Our program emphasizes the intersection of technical and artistic principles, preparing students for careers in engineering and related fields. We operate in the San Francisco Bay Area and have expanded nationally, offering free programs to schools.Our team includes experienced volunteers, advisory board members, and executive leadership committed to advancing STEAM education. We have received recognition for our innovative approach, including awards and scholarships for students and educators. Our expansion efforts focus on bringing our curriculum to new regions, supported by sponsors and donors. We prioritize transparency, community engagement, and long-term partnerships to ensure sustainable growth and impact. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status underscores our dedication to educational equity and accessibility.
Services
Student Impact Project
Volunteer Mentorship
Teacher Support Programs
Sponsorship Opportunities
Scholarship Programs
Advisory Board Services
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique STEAM curriculum developed by industry professionals.
- Our program is free for schools, ensuring accessibility for underserved students.
- Volunteers include experienced engineers, architects, and designers.
- We provide scholarships for students pursuing AEC-related higher education.
- Our national expansion brings proven educational models to new communities.
Associations and certifications
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 501(c)(3)
What people say
Changed my direction in life
Engages and challenges students
Engineering is beautiful and full of creativity
Link between math and practical applications
Exposing students to professional career paths
Services
Student Impact Project
The Student Impact Project (SIP) immerses high school students in a 10-week STEAM curriculum led by engineers and designers. Participants collaborate on designing scale model bridges, learning problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills. The program aligns with educational standards and emphasizes the intersection of technical and artistic principles.
Volunteer Mentorship
Volunteer Mentorship connects students with engineers, architects, and designers who guide them through project-based learning. Professionals share expertise, career insights, and technical knowledge, fostering mentorship relationships that inspire students to pursue STEAM careers while enhancing their practical understanding of industry practices.
Teacher Support Programs
Teacher Support Programs provide educators with fully developed curricula, training, and materials to implement the Student Impact Project. Teachers collaborate with volunteers to integrate STEAM principles into classrooms, enhancing their ability to teach interdisciplinary concepts and prepare students for technical careers.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities allow organizations to invest in STEAM education by funding classrooms, student teams, or events. Sponsors receive recognition and contribute to expanding access to underserved students, supporting the development of future engineering and design leaders through financial or in-kind contributions.
Scholarship Programs
Scholarship Programs provide financial support to students pursuing higher education in architecture, engineering, or construction. Merit-based awards prioritize underrepresented populations, offering $1,000 grants to help recipients attend colleges, universities, or trade schools while encouraging diversity in the AEC industry.
People
William Kotterman
President & Chief Executive Officer
William Kotterman leads Engineers Alliance for the Arts with over 20 years of experience in customer success and engineering. He oversees strategic initiatives and partnerships to expand the organization's national impact while managing Autodesk's customer success programs.
Steve Cetrone
Chief Operating Officer
Steve Cetrone manages day-to-day operations and organizational growth for Engineers Alliance for the Arts. With a background in engineering and leadership at Oliver & Company, he ensures program efficiency and supports volunteer engagement across participating schools.
Michelle Lehman
Executive Director
Michelle Lehman directs program implementation and external relations for Engineers Alliance for the Arts. She coordinates sponsorships, volunteer recruitment, and expansion efforts while maintaining partnerships with educational institutions and industry organizations nationwide.
Rafael Turcios
Vice President, Student Impact Project
Rafael Turcios develops curriculum and oversees program delivery for the Student Impact Project. A former volunteer and civil engineer, he coordinates teacher-volunteer collaborations and ensures alignment with educational standards while mentoring student teams.
Claire Killian
Vice President, Student Impact Project
Claire Killian contributes structural engineering expertise to curriculum development and program management. As a designer at Degenkolb Engineers, she integrates practical industry knowledge into student projects, enhancing the technical rigor of the organization's offerings.
Questions
What is the Student Impact Project?
The Student Impact Project is a 10-week STEAM program where high school students design scale model bridges with guidance from engineering professionals, learning interdisciplinary skills aligned with educational standards.
How can schools participate in the program?
Schools can participate by partnering with local volunteers and sponsors. Teachers facilitate the curriculum while industry professionals lead classroom sessions, with all materials and training provided at no cost.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Volunteers lead student teams, share industry expertise, and mentor participants. Requirements include a 10-week commitment, weekly sessions, and participation in orientation and events.
Does the organization offer scholarships?
Yes, we award $1,000 merit-based scholarships annually to students pursuing architecture, engineering, or construction-related degrees, prioritizing underrepresented populations in the AEC industry.
How is the program funded?
The program is funded through tax-deductible donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $20,000+, supporting classroom materials, student teams, and annual events.
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