School of Engineering

The Northrise School of Engineering is a major step toward empowering and transforming the nation of Zambia. Presently, the majority of engineering projects are developed, managed, and constructed by non-Zambians, resulting in substantially reduced economic benefit to the local and regional economies. In addition, many students who meet engineering school academic qualifications in the United States or other countries do not return to Zambia, perpetuating this dependence on outsourced expertise. The NU School of Engineering will provide degree programs to educate and develop the future engineers of Zambia to serve the growing needs of the Zambian government in building roads/bridges and power infrastructure, and to provide qualified engineers for the mining, construction, and manufacturing industries.

Zambian officials believe in the need to build sustainable infrastructure for Zambia’s plentiful natural resources such as copper, cobalt, and lime. This demand for engineers in Zambia will persist for decades to come. The NU School of Engineering will open with a five-year degree program in civil engineering and the curriculum will be further developed, adding a degree program in mechanical and electrical engineering in the future. The Engineering School curriculum will feature a significant emphasis on practical learning directly focused on key industries in Zambia, facilitated through hands-on project experience and student internships.

Partnerships

Dordt University and LeTourneau University Dordt University and LeTourneau University in the US will provide invaluable expertise in the formation of our engineering school, and guide us through expanding curriculum, placing engineering graduates into the workplace, and increasing our reach throughout Zambia and perhaps into all of Sub-Saharan Africa. These partners are already engaged with us in developing the curriculum, facilities, and faculty.

-   Insert drawing of Engineering Classroom floor plan

The NU Engineering Classroom Building design was developed with consultation by the Dordt University and LeTourneau University Engineering Departments and Scippean Architects. This dedicated facility features teaching classrooms, laboratory and computer study areas, and meeting rooms for team projects and faculty consultation. Additionally, the Engineering building will feature a large student lounge and practical learning space for class projects and senior projects. The Engineering building will be located near the center of the NU campus. God willing, construction of the facility will commence in 2022, and in 2023 engineering students will begin their studies in the inaugural class of the Northrise University School of Engineering. 

Requirements

In order to launch this new addition to the Northrise family of educational programs, the Higher Education Authority of Zambia requires:

• Facility Completion
• Curriculum Approval
• Faculty Appointment
• 3-year Operating Budget

Opportunities to Invest

• Classroom Building $1400k
• Faculty/Staff Funds (3 yrs) $600k
• Student Scholarships (3 yrs) $300k
• General Startup (Books, Computers) $300k
• Total $2.6M

Get Involved

Please pray with us and consider joining us in building the new School of Engineering at Northrise University. We are grateful to our supporters who have generously contributed throughout the years and welcome the opportunity to share this new opportunity with our partners and with new friends who desire to make a difference in the lives of many young women and men in Zambia.

Email the Engineering Development Committee Chair, Joe Aikins, to learn how you can help develop the Northrise School of Engineering, jaikins@jtamengineering.com.