About the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation

For 50 years, the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (OEF) has helped inspire and prepare the next generation of Oklahoma engineers through STEM education, hands-on competitions, scholarships and student programs.

Founded in 1976 by the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers, OEF was created on a simple belief: Oklahoma’s future depends on developing problem-solvers, innovators and engineering leaders.

Today, that mission is more important than ever.

Oklahoma continues to face significant educational challenges, particularly in math and science achievement. State assessment data shows many students are struggling to meet grade-level expectations in the very subjects most closely tied to future success in STEM and engineering careers.

The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation is working to change that.

Through statewide programs like Oklahoma MATHCOUNTS, the Oklahoma Engineering Fair, engineering scholarships and hands-on STEM initiatives, OEF helps students build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills and explore pathways into engineering and technology careers.

Each year, our programs bring together thousands of students, teachers, engineers, universities, volunteers and industry leaders from across Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Engineering Fair

OEF launched the Oklahoma Engineering Fair in 1981, helping pioneer hands-on engineering competitions for students in Oklahoma.

Held annually at Science Museum Oklahoma, the fair introduces middle school and high school students to engineering concepts through creative, project-based competition.

Students participate in events including bridge building, drone challenges, electric motor design, coding, tower construction, ping pong launchers, rubber band vehicles and other engineering-focused activities that encourage teamwork, innovation and applied problem-solving.

Today, the Oklahoma Engineering Fair remains one of the state’s longest-running STEM competitions and continues to inspire future engineers across Oklahoma.

MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma

In 1983, OEF introduced Oklahoma to the national MATHCOUNTS program, one of the nation’s premier middle school mathematics competitions.

For more than four decades, MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma has helped students strengthen advanced mathematics, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to engineering, science and technology careers.

Beyond competition day, the program provides schools with free curriculum resources, coaching support and enrichment opportunities that impact students statewide.

Youth Leadership and Advocacy

OEF also launched the Youth Advisory Board to help students develop leadership skills, strengthen their understanding of engineering and STEM careers and serve as ambassadors for STEM education in Oklahoma.

The program gives students opportunities to engage with engineering professionals, participate in outreach and advocacy efforts and gain experience in leadership, public speaking and community engagement.

Scholarships and Student Support

One of OEF’s earliest initiatives was the creation of an engineering scholarship program led by a group of visionary Oklahoma engineers, including founding president Garth P. Kennedy.

Today, the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Scholarship Fund remains a permanent endowment managed through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, helping engineering students continue their education and pursue careers that strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce and economy. invested into OEF’s scholarship endowment to ensure long-term support for future engineering students.

Honoring Excellence

As part of its continuing mission to strengthen and celebrate Oklahoma engineering, OEF is helping launch the Oklahoma Engineering Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame will recognize engineers, engineering firms and industry leaders whose work has shaped Oklahoma through innovation, leadership, mentorship and service to the profession.

A Legacy of Engineering Leadership

OEF also played a leading role in developing the Oklahoma Engineering Center, long considered the hub of Oklahoma’s engineering community.

Since 1979, the Center has housed organizations dedicated to advancing engineering, design and professional licensure in Oklahoma. Following the sale of the building in the 2000s, proceeds were invested into OEF’s scholarship endowment to ensure long-term support for future engineering students.

We believe engineering changes lives, strengthens communities and helps build a better Oklahoma.

Leadership

Trustees and Staff

Leadership

Trustees and Staff