The goals of the Chicago Engineers' Foundation (CEF) are to provide support and resources to every aspiring engineering student in Chicago. We seek to be the organization students look to as they work towards a career in engineering. In addition, CEF hopes to continue to grow as a network for both professional engineers and the next generation.

The strategies CEF is using to achieve our goals include expanding opportunities to reach out to young people interested in engineering concepts. Further, we are increasing our volunteer offerings to include more opportunities for those in the engineering field to get involved in our community. In addition, CEF is reaching out to professional associations and interested community groups to identify opportunities for partnership activities.

Chicago Engineers' Foundation embarked on its first 5-year strategic plan in 2017. The initiatives outlined in the plan are directly aligned with the organization's goals and overall mission focus. The first year of the plan has already exceeded expectations with many initiatives underway with more in development for the coming years. The plan has overwhelming support from the organization's leadership and community. In addition, the organization has an enthusiastic and growing volunteer base, and a working Board of Directors dedicated to achieving our goals and ensuring the long-term stability of the Chicago Engineers' Foundation.

The organization's committees are actively working to develop and sustain the initiatives outlined in the strategic plan. At each Board of Director's meeting, committee chairs report on their progress, and the reporting templates specifically outline how their activities meet the strategies and goals outlined in the organization's overall plans. In addition, the CEF leadership is updating the multi-year plan annually to ensure the organization continues to achieve goals while also looking towards future growth and stability.

The first year of the Chicago Engineer's Foundation strategic plan has been a year of promise, enthusiasm, and growth. The organization debuted several new initiatives for our Incentive Award recipients including corporate tours, career development workshops and an internship resume exchange. In addition, CEF leaders are actively working with both professional associations and community groups on developing partnership activities aimed at expanding outreach to more young people interested in engineering careers. Further, the CEF student outreach program saw incredible growth in the first year. The growing base of professional volunteers are reaching out to young people at schools and community events throughout the metropolitan area with plans in place to continue to expand our interest in educating young people about all the engineering sector has to offer.