Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington

Overview

The Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington (SEFW) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to advancing the profession of structural engineering through scholarships, education, research, and outreach. Established in 2010, SEFW serves as the non-profit arm of the Structural Engineers Association of Washington (SEAW), focusing on efforts that promote structural engineering both within the professional community and to the general public.

Mission

SEFW's mission is centered around four primary objectives:

• Scholarships: SEFW partners with SEAW to provide scholarships to students in Washington state pursuing structural engineering studies. Since its inception, more than 70 scholarships have been awarded to support educational goals in this field.
• Education: The organization offers educational opportunities including the Fall Forum lecture series, which aims to inform professionals, students, and the public about structural engineering. It also supports the production of educational materials and documentaries, such as the documentary on the structural engineers of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.
• Research: SEFW supports research initiatives by providing grants for projects related to the SEAW Disaster Preparedness Response program. Future plans include funding graduate student research projects at universities across Washington.
• Outreach: SEFW engages with schools and community organizations to integrate structural engineering into STEM programs. This includes funding field trips, sponsoring bridge-building competitions, and providing mentoring opportunities.

Activity Highlights

• Fall Forum Lecture Series: An annual event that features discussions on topics related to the built environment, open to both professionals and the public.
• Structural Engineers Hall of Fame: SEFW collaborated with SEAW to establish this recognition platform.
• Documentary Productions: Notable examples include a documentary about the structural engineers of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.
• STEM Programs: Participation in STEM expos and career fairs to promote structural engineering as a career.

Relationship with SEAW

SEFW works closely with the Structural Engineers Association of Washington (SEAW), a not-for-profit professional organization founded in 1950. SEAW focuses on advancing excellence in structural engineering through advocacy, education, research, and emergency preparedness. The partnership between SEFW and SEAW ensures comprehensive support for structural engineers in Washington state, ranging from professional development to community outreach.

Funding Support

SEFW is a charitable organization that relies on donations to fulfill its mission. Funding support comes from both individuals and corporations, often through donation options like those available during the annual Fall Forum events. Donations can be designated for specific purposes such as scholarships, disaster preparedness initiatives, or research projects.