PCI Foundation Launches Major Initiatives for a Growing Industry
CHICAGO, August 1, 2019 --- The PCI Foundation has just announced new initiatives for the 2019 – 2020 year.
“Our Foundation’s mission is to impact the future of the built environment while promoting the use of precast concrete. We are partnering with bright young minds to push the boundaries of precast design and construction to do what has never been done before,” said Executive Director Marty McIntyre.
“The approach our foundation partners use to reach students has put our industry on the leading edge of higher education learning trends. Integrated learning among various departments and schools, learning by doing, and positive community relations have all been part of successful PCI Foundation programs, in architecture, engineering or construction management programs,” says McIntyre.
Launch of a new interactive website at www.PCI-Foundation.org
The new modern site is designed for the precast community as well as students and educators in universities who teach architecture, construction management, engineering and bridges. Visitors to the site can now focus directly on their individual interests, download forms, watch our fundraising and grant support progress as well as have open dialogue in the forum section.
Expanded grant support to universities across the USA – identified in map below
Teaching NextGen students the benefits and modern options of precast is assured as the PCI Foundation expands curriculum development funding to major universities and colleges.
In 2019-2020, at least 13 university programs will receive funding for multi-year and cross-department programs. New schools are continually being added to the roster, with about 8 schools currently in process to submit grant applications.
Educators looking for criteria and grant opportunities can look under the ‘educators’ tab on the new website.
New awards to recognize educators who engage in the community and create opportunities for hands-on learning while ensuring their students are career ready.
Announcement of a new Project Precast Competition, this unique competition is a design challenge that brings college and university students together with industry mentors at the annual PCI Precast Show. 
o The inaugural event was held in March 2019 and was such a success it has been selected as an ongoing event. The next competition will be in March 2020 in Dallas. Information, forms and deadlines for entering this competition are on the new website.
Increased fundraising goal and special events for 2020. Details to be announced soon.
More communications delivered in more ways – At the root of the new initiatives is an expanded communications campaign to keep the PCIF audiences aware and engaged.
o a new e-newsletter matched to a large mailing list will send news about the Foundation’s activities and ways educators, students and the precast industry can stay engaged and participate in the success of the Foundation and the industry’s future.
o Social media will be more dynamic with images and video, across social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Current and Former students in the programs can connect with the industry through the site, through the forums or by submitting a guest blog about their experiences during or after their precast program. Jobs and internships will also be listed on the site. Students can also sign up for free PCI Membership and a free PCI Foundation “Swag Bag” on the site.
ABOUT THE PCI FOUNDATION - Since 2001, the PCI Foundation has been the educational entity that supports the Precast/Prestressed Concrete industry. The mission of the PCI Foundation is to foster educational and research initiatives focused on innovative approaches to the integrated and sustainable use of precast concrete design, fabrication, and construction. It is a charitable 501(c) 3 corporation, based in Chicago, which supports the inclusion of precast concrete programs at accredited colleges and universities. To learn more, visit the PCI Foundation website at www.PCI-Foundation.org.
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Media contact: Laura Phillips Bennett, Bennett & Company
laura@bennettandco.com, cell: 407-701-5454