Center for Global Engineering Education

As the College of Engineering continues its path of innovation, the Nancy Philippart and Thomas McGrail Center for Global Engineering Education will strengthen the global innovation economy and the university's engineering talent. The center will bring together students, faculty and international partners, resulting in new global engineering leaders, as well as accelerated growth of new businesses and jobs. The impact of the center will reach beyond providing students with international study and career opportunities.

It also will help transform the College of Engineering. The College of Engineering is dedicated to educating a driven group of young professionals to take the college to new heights. In Detroit, where engineering and technological advances are etched in its history and primed to be a driver of growth and renewal, an increase in global activity fueled by initiatives such as the Nancy Philippart and Thomas McGrail Center for Global Engineering Education will position the college and the university as an international center of innovation.

With one of the highest concentrations of engineers in the U.S., Detroit is one of the most powerful and influential cities in the world with the intellectual capacity to grow the automotive, manufacturing, advanced technology and health care sectors. As products are increasingly designed in the United States and manufactured abroad, or vice versa, it is essential that engineering students have a global understanding of different cultures in order to see the universal impact of their work.

Global experience programs form strong bonds between Wayne State and partner institutions all across the globe, providing engineering students the opportunity to work with an international cohort. These experiences include students traveling abroad to learn about different cultures, conduct research with international scholars, gain global industry experience and internships, and participate in service learning including social entrepreneurship ventures. Increased fluency in another language, a broader cultural perspective and an enhanced resume sets Wayne State students apart from others.

Mr. and Mrs. Kumar, both alums of the College of Engineering established the Anurag and Vandana Kumar Endowed Award for Global Engineering Internships and Study Abroad to provide assistance with financing expenses associated with global study abroad, internships or co-op experiences with preference for those engineering students travelling to Mexico. Engineering students can be full-time or part-time and in any discipline in the College of Engineering.  The award can be used for expenses that include but are not limited to travel, lodging, and other educational expenses. Interested students can learn more about the application process by visiting our Scholarships page.