TransDigm Group Inc, a global leader in aerospace engineering, is committed to reducing barriers for traditionally underrepresented students in the aerospace industry. With the Doug Peacock Scholarship Fund, the company is partnering with the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business and College of Engineering to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students representing the first in their family to attend college, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and/or who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields.

The scholarship is named for founding CEO Doug Peacock, who recognized the value of different perspectives and fields of study being combined to produce something unique and transformational. TransDigm currently has six Peacock Scholars at the University of Washington evenly split between Foster and the College of Engineering. The scholarship will stay with the student for the entirety of their business or engineering undergraduate experience and the students will be brought together annually to meet with TransDigm executives to foster an environment for networking and potential mentorship.

The best corporate partnerships include thoughtful interaction between our students and corporate leadership demonstrated this academic year by TransDigm Group Inc President & CEO, Kevin Stein. Kevin made himself available to virtually meet with Peacock Scholars in the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business and College of Engineering. During their time together each Peacock Scholar shared a bit about their backgrounds, academic focus, and professional goals. In addition to checking in on these future industry leaders, Kevin shared a story about persevering through a difficult period as a student himself.  

“I really enjoyed meeting Kevin Stein from TransDigm! His advice for college students was valuable and definitely something that I will carry with me through the rest of my college career.” recalled Chelsea Ocampo, ’24. “I am grateful for the intentional effort of TransDigm to support diversity and access,” said Foster Dean Frank Hodge. “This type of funding can be a game changer for us by amplifying our efforts to broaden access. Reducing economic barriers and facilitating thoughtful conversations will help keep diverse talent in Washington state and applying to the UW and the Foster School.”

Adapted from UW Foster School of Business. https://blog.foster.uw.edu/fostering-futures-in-aerospace-the-doug-peacock-scholarships-and-the-transdigm-commitment-to-inclusion/