CSUN Engineering Gets Boeing Grant

Underrepresented San Fernando Valley students could have a better chance of entering an engineering field with the help of a $24,500 grant from the Boeing Co.

The company gave the money to Cal State Northridge’s College of Engineering and Computer Science to support a variety of programs, including the recruitment of first-generation college students and those from low-income families in a field where they are often underrepresented.

Almost half of the money will be used to offer support, orientation, advisement and counseling to disadvantaged students, university officials said.

The Automation Engineering Lab, where students take courses in computer-aided design and engineering, computer-integrated manufacturing and other classes, is expected to get about $8,000. The lab was founded in 1992 by a $300,000 grant from Rockwell International on behalf of Rocketdyne.

Boeing took over Rockwell International’s Rocketdyne Division in 1996.

The rest of the money will go to student clubs, research projects, internships and programs to increase corporate involvement with the 27,000 full- and part-time student body university.

“Our college is grateful to Boeing, not only for this donation, but also for their continued support over the years,” said Larry Caretto, dean of the university’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Boeing’s support allows us to develop educational programs in our laboratories and student support programs that we could not do with the state funds we receive.”