United Technologies Corp and the National Academy Foundation (NAF) have announced a multi-million-dollar partnership to expand NAF Academies of Engineering to Puerto Rico and beyond.

Consisting of a $3 million funding commitment over three years, the collaboration aims to expand NAF’s well-established academies, bringing industry-proven STEM programmes to under-resourced High Schools in Puerto Rico, Palm Beach County (Florida) and other US locations.

It will also cover supporting NAF’s Academies of IT and engaging NAF alumni through the NAFTrack platform. Through its partnership with NAF, UTC will prioritise the development of a pipeline of diverse technical talent.

During a launch event in Aguadilla, representatives from UTC and NAF announced that two schools (Benito Cerezo High School and Elvira Colon High School) will serve as the inaugural sites for Puerto Rico’s first NAF Academies of Engineering.

Both schools are near UTC’s Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace Systems facilities, making it possible for employees to volunteer and work side-by-side with students.

Greg Hayes, UTC chairman and CEO (www.utc.com), said: “UTC is proud to partner with NAF — an organisation that is transforming the STEM learning environment with hands-on opportunities for high school students in under-served communities.

"These academies will expose generations of students in Puerto Rico to STEM classes, mentorships and company internships, bringing to life what a future career in engineering and technology can look like.”

Sandy Weill, NAF founder and chairman, said: “NAF aims to make a positive difference for as many students as possible.

“We are expanding into a previously untapped location that will greatly benefit from UTC’s investment.

“We can now proudly say that we are serving more than 100,000 students throughout the USA, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.”