Corporate social responsibility (CSR) executives are responsible for justifying corporate volunteer programs by demonstrating their return on investment (ROI) to stakeholders. These programs must not only benefit the communities they serve, but also the organizations that support them. In a recent webinar, Marta Heinrich, Business Operations Leader for Digital Services at Schneider Electric, provided compelling insights into the ROI generated through the TryEngineering Together program, one of Cricket eMentoring’s corporate volunteer initiatives. This program, designed to foster STEM enthusiasm among under-resourced students in 3rd – 8th grades, has delivered tangible benefits to Schneider Electric in two key areas: social return on investment and organizational return on investment.
To view an exclusive excerpt from Marta Heinrich’s webinar presentation, please use the following link: Discover the ROI of STEM eMentorship with Marta Heinrich!
Social Return on Investment
Marta highlighted four key areas where Schneider Electric’s involvement in the TryEngineering Together program has generated social return on investment: access to education, skill development, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.
Access to Education
Through the TryEngineering Together program, Schneider Electric supports under-resourced youth by promoting equal access to education. By sponsoring and mentoring students in schools with limited resources, the program connects these young learners with eMentors and role models they might not otherwise have access to. The virtual nature of the program further expands its reach, ensuring that geographical limitations don’t prevent students from engaging with STEM-focused eMentors.
Skill Development
The program emphasizes literacy and STEM skills as essential foundations for future success. eMentors and students work together on STEM-related topics, encouraging students to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. This approach not only fosters academic growth but also instills confidence and a sense of curiosity in students—qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and personal development.
Diversity and Inclusion
Schneider Electric’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in the backgrounds of its volunteer eMentors, some of whom are part of dedicated employee networks within the company. Schneider Electric’s volunteers include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, veterans, and emerging professionals. By pairing students with eMentors from varied backgrounds, the program exposes young learners to a wide range of perspectives, helping them feel more connected and represented within the STEM field.
Community Engagement
Beyond its educational impact, the program allows Schneider Electric to deepen its engagement with communities where it has a footprint. By supporting schools in cities like Houston, Nashville, Raleigh, Tucson, and New York, Schneider Electric strengthens its connection with these local communities. This engagement not only benefits the students but also helps Schneider Electric fulfill its broader CSR goals, creating lasting positive impact within the communities it serves.
Organizational Return on Investment
Marta outlined four key areas where the TryEngineering Together program generates substantial organizational return on investment for Schneider Electric: employee engagement, skills-based volunteering, future talent pipeline, and social innovation.
Employee Engagement
Schneider Electric’s employees find meaningful ways to connect with their personal purpose through the TryEngineering Together program, fostering a strong sense of engagement and fulfillment. Mentoring young students provides employees with the opportunity to share their “why”—the driving force behind their professional journey—and gain fresh perspectives through “reverse mentoring,” seeing the world through their students’ eyes. This unique experience not only enhances employee satisfaction but also deepens their connection to Schneider Electric’s mission and values.
Skills-Based Volunteering
The eMentoring program allows employees to apply their technical skills, knowledge, and career experiences to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. By sharing their insights into STEM-related topics, eMentors motivate students while reinforcing their own skills and broadening their understanding. This aspect of the program creates value for both eMentors and students, as employees continue to grow in their roles while encouraging young minds to explore STEM fields.
Future Talent Pipeline
By exposing students to STEM careers and showcasing Schneider Electric as an innovative employer, the program helps build an early awareness of engineering and technical fields among under-resourced youth. eMentors play a role in planting the seed for future talent, potentially creating a pipeline of diverse, motivated individuals interested in STEM careers. This long-term investment benefits Schneider Electric by nurturing a future workforce with an early appreciation of the company and its industry.
Social Innovation
In addition to its impact on students and employees, the TryEngineering Together program supports Schneider Electric’s broader mission of fostering social inclusion and addressing social challenges. eMentors address not only educational needs but also social and cultural challenges, contributing to sustainable development in the communities they serve. This commitment to social innovation aligns with Schneider Electric’s dedication to sustainability and positively impacts company culture.
Schneider Electric’s Journey with TryEngineering Together
Schneider Electric’s journey with the TryEngineering Together program began with a pilot in 2019, initiated by Marta’s personal passion for mentoring and STEM education. Since then, the program has grown significantly, from an initial 25 volunteers mentoring a single classroom to a thriving initiative with 300 volunteers supporting classrooms across the U.S. Along the way, Schneider Electric has leveraged its resources, including grants from its foundation and its sustainability expertise, to deepen the program’s impact. This growth aligns with Schneider Electric’s broader sustainability mission, allowing the company to integrate its sustainability values with educational initiatives.
Today, Schneider Electric’s involvement in TryEngineering Together exemplifies how corporate volunteer programs can go beyond traditional philanthropy to create measurable value for both society and the organization. For CSR executives considering an investment in eMentoring, Schneider Electric’s experience provides a powerful case study in how to achieve both social and organizational return on investment.
For an exclusive look at Marta Heinrich’s presentation on Schneider Electric’s involvement with the TryEngineering Together program, watch the webinar excerpt via the following link: Learn More about the ROI of STEM Mentorship with Marta Heinrich!
