Alcoa Foundation Invests in Education

The Alcoa Foundation has announced that it has awarded $117,000 (£63,000) in grants, to universities in Hungary. The foundation hopes the donations, made in light of the country’s recent accession into the European Union, will aid the country’s preparations to develop the next generation of business leaders.

Three universities will receive the grants. Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration will receive $60,000 over three years, for a corporate chair professorship. Through the professorship, the university hopes to attract scholars interested in conducting research in business and public policy issues. Budapest University of Technology and Economics will receive $60,000 over three years for an engineering professorship. The professorship will play a leading role in advancing the engineering curriculum and introducing concepts that include problem-based and design-centred learning. Finally, Kodolanyi Janos University will receive $57,000 over three years to develop a graduate programme in international relations. Through this program, students will gain the management and corporate governance skills required to be leaders in the private and public sectors.
“There is a demand for key universities in Hungary to produce the next generation of technological and business leaders who will be an integral part of the country’s long-term economic and social progress,” said Phil L. Collins, general manager of Alcoa-Kofem and vice president of Alcoa Europe. “By providing seed money for programs at universities, Alcoa hopes to aid Hungary’s success in creating jobs and sustainable growth.”