Expanding its commitment to education and future engineering leaders, Pratt & Whitney has awarded three new $10,000 scholarships to University of Hartford mechanical engineering students.
Pratt & Whitney has been a successful partner of UHart's College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), with Alex Small '26, Emily Pereira '27, and Ashley White '25 becoming the latest beneficiaries of the company's generosity as the new cohort of Pratt Scholars. The scholarship will help these students have access to Pratt & Whitney’s world-class engineering executives, potential internships, and employment opportunities.
Pratt & Whitney has continued to demonstrate a passion for student success. The Pratt & Whitney Aerospace and Turbomachinery Laboratory, located in the Hursey Center, came to fruition through the organization’s direct support, with the goal of guiding engineering students in hands-on industry experience. The lab aids students in understanding real-world engineering challenges, and also offers a glimpse into the cutting-edge innovations taking place at Pratt & Whitney.
When asked about how the scholarship impacts her student experience, Pereira explained, "This scholarship will help me work toward my goals without having to worry about any of my financial needs. The University of Hartford has shown consistent attention when it comes to working with me for a better future."
Pereira is currently studying in the accelerated 4+1 mechanical engineering program, which is designed to allow full-time engineering students to earn their Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees in five years.
Emily Pereira, Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Program, CETAThis scholarship will help me work toward my goals without having to worry about any of my financial needs. The University of Hartford has shown consistent attention when it comes to working with me for a better future."
The partnership between Pratt & Whitney and UHart is a prime example of how collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions is mutually beneficial, says CETA Dean Hisham Alnajjar. Pratt & Whitney gains access to promising young engineers, while providing students the support they need to succeed.
"By partnering with the University of Hartford to provide such a generous scholarship, Pratt & Whitney affirms the bright futures of our students as well as the excellent education they are receiving," he added. "The scholarship also reinforces their sound decision to pursue an engineering degree at the University of Hartford."
As new members enter the Pratt Scholars program, Pratt & Whitney will continue to renew the scholarship contribution every year as long as students are in good academic standing.