In a survey conducted by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE&IT) magazine, Siemens has been named a “Top Supporter" of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) for the 11th straight year. Siemens provides in-kind grants of software to HBCU Engineering schools through its Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software business unit and is the only supplier of PLM software among this year's list of distinguished companies.

Siemens' support is part of the company’s focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and diversity initiatives that help drive its manufacturing revitalization efforts throughout the U.S.

“Many companies encourage careers in STEM,” said Tyrone Taborn, editor in chief of USBE&IT magazine and chairman and CEO of Career Communications Group. “This survey’s results highlight for our readers those companies – like Siemens PLM Software – that go the extra mile for HBCU schools. Professionals want to know which organizations are committed to their community. Those are the companies they want to work for or with in the future.”

Each year, USBE&IT magazine conducts an independent survey in which HBCU Engineering School deans and members of the corporate-academic alliance AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering) board are asked to provide input about companies that provide the most support to HBCU engineering schools. Participants are asked to list the corporate, government and non-profit organizations that contribute most to their schools’ missions. Contributions in infrastructure, research, advisory council participation, faculty development opportunities, scholarships, student projects and career opportunities are considered.

“We’re committed to leading the industry in diversity initiatives and STEM education support to revitalize manufacturing,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. “Siemens strives to nurture strong industry and academic partnerships not only in the U.S., but around the world. We will continue to work closely with the HBCU academic community to develop highly qualified and highly recruited engineers and technologists."