Marian University in Indianapolis has announced a five-year, $5 million grant from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation to help launch the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering and target the development of STEM and engineering talent among minority communities and women in central Indiana.

The grant will support construction of a new engineering building and fund operating costs, the purchase of equipment, the outfitting of classrooms and laboratories, a “MakerSpace” student fabrication facility, and an advanced manufacturing and automation laboratory, as well as a program to hire and retain faculty.

With two and a half STEM job openings for every qualified applicant statewide and African American, Latinx, and other communities underrepresented in the engineering field nationally, the university has set a goal to double the engineering graduation rate compared with the national average and to attract an engineering student body that reflects U.S. demographics, more than doubling the number of African American, Latinx, and female students.

“Addressing this gap is key to providing individuals with opportunity and strengthening our economy,” said Fairbanks Foundation president and CEO Claire Fiddian. “We are pleased to support the launch of the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering and to help grow the pipeline of diverse STEM talent in central Indiana.”

“Support from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation will contribute mightily to [Marian University’s] vision by empowering us to serve underrepresented students in STEM through access to a high-quality education accompanied by holistic support from our dedicated faculty and staff,” said Marian University president Daniel J. Elsener.