Sponsor Highlight

JMP Solutions

The Future is ‘Unlimited’ for Western Outreach Engineering Partner, JMP

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Western Engineering Outreach has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with local system integrator and automation solutions company, JMP Solutions. Of the many alignments between the two organizations, one of the foundational commonalities is the drive to inspire more youth to pursue engineering and incorporate STEM into their lives. Speaking with Ken McLaughlin, Director of Operations for the Automation and Robotics Division, he reiterated JMP’s community-oriented philosophy, “We are stewards of the future. The younger you can inspire, the more options they can have. We want to help kids get set up for their future.”

Putting the philosophy of stewardship into practice, JMP have demonstrated a strong desire to invest in London’s local engineering community by continually sponsoring the Western Engineering FIRST Robotics tournament held on Western University campus. The yearly event, which hosts more than 1,000 high school students, making 40 teams; each with a robot that they have built and fabricated, is one of the most effective ways of supporting youth at both elementary and secondary levels to experience STEM in a positive way.

“Engineering is a springboard for anywhere you want to go.” says McLaughlin, “It is a great foundation to do almost anything, from detailed technical work, to entrepreneurship.” One of the most beneficial outcomes of the partnership has been the impact on youth reached in local communities. Last year, Western Engineering Outreach provided STEM programming to over 12,000 local youth, of which, 50 percent were women – a traditionally underrepresented group in engineering.

When asked about the future of engineering, McLaughlin remarked “Unlimited, and things are only going to accelerate”. Through partnerships like these, the world of engineering and STEM becomes more accessible, and those who would not normally have access, are introduced to STEM as pathway to a successful future. “We want to break down the barriers and stereotypes so kids can explore the field.” Says Mclaughlin, and with perspectives like this it is no surprise JMP has played an integral part in ensuring pathways to success remain open.

To learn more about JMP visit: https://www.jmpsolutions.com/

To learn more about Western Engineering Outreach visit: www.eng.uwo.ca/outreach