The future of the mechanical contracting industry relies on its ability to attract graduates from America's finest colleges and universities with degrees in construction management, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, and other related disciplines. During the last few years, industry's efforts have been challenged by demographic changes in the American workforce which are coming about because:

• The largest segment of the American workforce, the "baby boomers" born between 1946 and 1964, is reaching retirement age;
• Those born between 1975 and 1997, the "echo boomers," are fewer in number; and
• Fewer college graduates are pursuing degrees and related careers in engineering and science.

Recognizing that our industry would need help to compete for well-qualified professionals, the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation's (MCERF) Board of Trustees dedicated up to 50 percent of its annual budgeted program funds to MCAA's Student Chapter Program, which was designed to interest and attract college students to the mechanical contracting industry. That initiative became known as Funding Educational Excellence (FEE).

FEE funds have enabled MCAA's Career Development Committee to:

• Attract more student and faculty interest in the MCAA Student Chapter Program;
• Encourage MCAA members to hire summer interns who want field experience with our industry;
• Recognize outstanding MCAA student chapter faculty advisors for their dedication and commitment to our industry's future professionals;
• Assist faculty interested in learning more about the science and business behind our industry.

Find out more about how MCERF's FEE program has helped MCAA increase awareness of our industry through Student Chapter Grants, Student Internship Grants, Faculty Recognition, and Faculty Education.