Page 20 - Jan/Feb 2023 Vol 40 No 6

40 YEARS! By Lauran Canacaris
LDA Marks 40 Years with $500,000

Commitment to STEM Education

In celebration of its 40th anniversary,
Tennessee firm LDA Engineering has
made a $500,000 renewed commitment
to science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) education and
also has dedicated $120,000 in college
scholarship funds.
The company has invested in STEM
and additional engineering education
and outreach in all of its markets, and
in 2015 pledged to reach $250,000 in 10
years. This year, the team reached that
level in donations, pro bono work and
volunteer hours and decided to celebrate
40 successful years by doubling the
commitment. LDA Engineering’s new
goal is to reach $500,000 in contributions
by 2030.
“STEM professions like engineering
are a cornerstone of the economy, and
young people are the future of our
profession,” said Jason Brooks, CEO of
LDA Engineering. “Through support
of nonprofits and educational groups in
our markets in Knoxville, Chattanooga,
Tri-Cities, Nashville and Memphis,
we’re blessed to share our passion for
engineering with students at a young age
to open their minds to the possibilities. professionals would need to grow by Engineering’s 40th anniversary
“I became even more driven to at least 15% to replace baby boomers celebrations and community involvement,
encourage the next generation of engineers aging out of the market, according to a follow the firm on social media at @
when my daughter, Mary-James, and son, 2021 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor LDAEngineering or visit ldaengineering.
Hall, came along. Women still only account Statistics. com/updates.
for 27% of the engineering workforce, LDA Engineering aims to address that
and I believe that early exposure and gap by partnering with organizations About LDA Engineering
encouragement in STEM subjects will such as STEM Scouts of the Great For 40 years, LDA Engineering has
make a difference in people choosing Smoky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts worked to build stronger, happier
engineering as their calling.” of America; Future City Competition, communities through sustainable, creative
Tennessee region; United Way of Blount and economic infrastructure solutions.
Announces $120,000 in engineering County; and Adventure Science Center. The employee-owned civil engineering
scholarships The firm estimated that more than 3,500 firm supports private companies,
LDA Engineering also announced three students have been impacted by LDA’s municipalities and contractors across
scholarships to promote engineering efforts so far. “We want to say thank you the Southeast, with offices in Knoxville,
education, totaling $120,000. The to our clients for their belief in us, driving Chattanooga, Tri- Cities, Nashville and
University of Tennessee Knoxville, our recent growth and allowing us to Memphis. Through its LDA Services
Tennessee Tech University and Maryville give back to the next generation of STEM division, the company provides cutting-
College each will receive $40,000. The industry professionals,” Brooks said. edge geomatics and surveying services
Tennessee Tech scholarship was dedicated “Every one of our 40 years is a testament and B2B contract implementation.
to longtime employee and company to the support of the communities that For more information about LDA
partner Steve Bostic. LDA Engineering serves.” Engineering’s community-first culture and
The current number of engineering For more information about LDA services, visit ldaengineering.com.

20 TPW January/February 2023