Collaboration signals commitment to fostering
future talent from underrepresented backgrounds
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LP Building Solutions (LP),
a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, today
announced the establishment of college scholarships to attract
greater diversity into the manufacturing industry and foster a more
inclusive and representative workforce.
LP partnered with SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM (Society
of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and the National Society
of Black Engineers to establish the scholarships for 2023–2024
academic year.
"LP believes that investing in education and opportunities for
underrepresented groups is essential to create a more diverse
industry," said LP Chair and CEO Brad
Southern. "Engagement with students can introduce them to
our industry and help them develop the skills toward long,
rewarding careers. I am proud to be part of an organization that
puts words into action to foster diversity in future generations of
engineers."
This is not the first time LP has supported the National Society
of Black Engineers, following a 2022 donation. However, this marks
the company's first collaboration with both national engineering
associations to establish scholarships. Named the LP Building
Solutions—Building a Better World Scholarship, the recipients must
be pursuing engineering degrees relevant to LP's operations,
including industrial, chemical, electrical, mechanical and civil
engineering. Applicants are required to answer one essay question:
How will you use your engineering degree to build a better
world?
"Huge NSBE thanks to LP Building Solutions for supporting our
collegiate members with this scholarship and for recognizing the
value of our longtime work toward greater diversity, equity and
inclusion in STEM," said NSBE National Executive Board Chair
Avery Layne. "LP is the type of
corporate partner NSBE is seeking—companies that have solid
strategic plans to bring more people of color and women to STEM
careers and that are committing substantial resources, creativity
and energy to actualize those plans," adds Layne, who is a Ph.D.
student in mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park.
"Through this collaboration, LP is not only providing crucial
financial support to students pursuing engineering degrees but also
demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the
engineering industry," said SHPE Research & Impact Manager
Robert Tovar. "Together, we can
empower talented individuals to establish their careers and make a
lasting impact in their communities."
"Receiving this scholarship validates the dedication I've poured
into my academic and career pursuits," said SHPE scholarship
recipient and Purdue University Ph.D.
student Jehan Shalabi. "This
scholarship ignites my drive to shape a brighter future for our
world and serves as an investment in my forthcoming journey. I am
profoundly grateful for the support provided during my Ph.D. and
aspire to return this generosity to others in the future."
These scholarships complement LP's initiatives to invest in the
future of the industry through grants and support for
organizations. For example, LP is involved in the Manufacturing
Institute's '35x30' initiative, an ambitious, industry-wide effort
to close the gender gap in manufacturing by adding half a million
women to the industry by 2030. In the last two years, LP has
established a three-year bursary for students of Vancouver Island
University's Indigenous Peoples and Women in Trades
Training program, the LP STEM Kit Library in support of
Metro Nashville Public Schools, and a virtual reality program to
teach high school math with Nashville,
Tennessee-based LEAD Public Schools. Furthermore, LP has
made monetary contributions to various nonprofits, including the
Urban League of Middle Tennessee's Real Estate Developers Academy,
Serving Souls, the National Association of Women in Construction,
and Black Women Build.
LP also currently offers the LP Scholarship Program for the
children of team members who excel in their studies and make
positive contributions to their communities.
About LP Building Solutions
As a leader in high-performance building solutions,
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX)
manufactures engineered wood products that meet the demands of
builders, remodelers and homeowners worldwide. LP's extensive
portfolio of innovative and dependable products includes Siding
Solutions (LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, LP® SmartSide®
ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding, LP BuilderSeries® Lap Siding and
LP® Outdoor Building Solutions™), LP® Structural Solutions (LP®
TechShield® Radiant Barrier, LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water
Barrier, LP Legacy® Premium Sub-Flooring, LP® FlameBlock®
Fire-Rated Sheathing, LP NovaCore® Thermal Insulated Sheathing and
LP® TopNotch® 350 Durable Sub-Flooring) and oriented strand board
(OSB). In addition to product solutions, LP provides
industry-leading customer service and warranties. Since its
founding in 1972, LP has been Building a Better World™ by helping
customers construct beautiful, durable homes while shareholders
build lasting value. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, LP operates 22 plants
across the U.S., Canada,
Chile and Brazil. For more information, visit
LPCorp.com.
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SOURCE LP Building Solutions