Investing in the Future: How SSR is Making a Difference Through Workforce Development
September is National Workforce Development Month, a time to recognize the people, programs, and partnerships that help prepare the next generation of AEC professionals. For SSR, workforce development isn’t a one-month initiative. It’s a year-round commitment rooted in our belief that the future of our industry depends on the investments we make today.
As an employee-owned firm, we understand that the challenges facing the engineering and consulting industry require long-term solutions. Building a strong workforce pipeline means inspiring students to explore STEM careers, providing mentorship and hands-on learning experiences, supporting educational opportunities, and helping shape industry-wide strategies that attract and retain future talent.
“Workforce development is one of the most important investments we can make, not only for SSR, but for the future of our profession,” said Susan Osterberg, CEO + President. “The demand for engineers continues to grow, and it’s our responsibility as industry leaders to help inspire, mentor, and develop the next generation. Whether that’s introducing a high school student to engineering through ACE, supporting STEM education, or providing scholarships to future engineers, these investments create opportunities that can change lives while strengthening our industry for years to come.”
Supporting Students Through ACE
One of the most significant ways SSR supports workforce development is through the ACE Mentor Program, which introduces high school students to careers in architecture, construction, and engineering through hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities.
Today, SSR supports ACE chapters across the country through financial contributions, scholarships, volunteer engagement, and board leadership. Our owners dedicate their time to mentoring students, serving on local chapter boards, and helping create opportunities that expose young people to rewarding careers in the AEC industry.
Beyond local involvement, SSR is a national partner of the ACE Mentor Program and remains committed to expanding access to engineering and construction career pathways for students nationwide. That commitment is reinforced through the leadership of Susan Osterberg, who serves on the ACE Mentor National Board and helps guide the organization’s efforts to inspire and prepare the next generation of industry professionals.
Investing in STEM Education
Workforce development starts long before students begin considering college majors or career paths.
Through SSR’s Making a Difference initiatives, we support schools, organizations, and programs across the country that focus on STEM education and career exploration. From elementary and middle school science programs to workforce-focused educational organizations, these investments help spark curiosity, build confidence, and introduce students to possibilities they may not have otherwise considered.
SSR also believes hands-on experience is one of the most powerful ways to inspire future engineers. Through programs such as the ACE Mentor Extern Program and Genesys Works, high school students work alongside our teams, gain exposure to the AEC industry, and experience firsthand what a career in engineering can look like. These internships and externships provide meaningful mentorship, real-world learning opportunities, and valuable insight into the impact engineers have on their communities.
These efforts reflect our belief that strengthening the future workforce requires engagement at every stage of a student’s educational journey, from introducing STEM concepts in K-12 classrooms to providing hands-on experiences that help students envision themselves as future engineers.
The Rob Barrick Impact Scholarship
This year, SSR awarded five Rob Barrick Impact Scholarships to dependents of SSR owners pursuing engineering-related degrees.
Established in honor of former CEO Rob Barrick’s commitment to education and leadership, the scholarship exists to support aspiring engineers while reinforcing SSR’s culture of ownership and shared responsibility for the future of the profession. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing engineering degrees and serves as another way the firm invests in the next generation of industry leaders.
Leading the Conversation
Our commitment to workforce development extends beyond financial support and volunteerism.
Firm leaders actively help shape workforce development strategies at the state and national levels through their involvement with industry organizations, including ACEC and ACE Mentor. Susan currently serves in leadership roles focused on workforce development, helping guide conversations around talent attraction, retention, professional development, and the long-term health of the engineering profession. These roles allow SSR to contribute to broader industry solutions while sharing best practices that help strengthen the profession nationwide.
The future of engineering depends on the people entering the profession today. That’s why SSR remains committed to supporting students, educators, mentors, and organizations that are helping build the workforce of tomorrow.
Whether through mentoring a high school student, funding scholarships, supporting STEM education, or helping shape industry-wide workforce initiatives, these efforts demonstrate a simple belief: investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference.