Diversifying the Next Generation of Engineers
Darius Broughton has extensive professional experience supporting the success of major infrastructure capital improvement programs for the City of Atlanta and Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport through his role as HNTB’s Group Director. His support for another program — Atlanta University Center Consortium’s, the world’s oldest and largest group of historically black colleges and universities, Dual-Degree Engineering Program (AUCC-DDEP) — brings together his professional and personal interests to create opportunity for future generations of diverse engineers. Through Broughton’s vision and leadership, a new partnership between HNTB and AUCC-DDEP has formed. HNTB has committed to scholarships and will provide new resources to ensure the success of HBCU students in engineering fields.
Can you describe AUCC-DDEP and why you felt it was important for HNTB to form this partnership?
The AUCC-DDEP is a unique program that allows students to pursue two degrees within an accelerated five-year period. Students who participate in the program complete three years of general coursework at an AUCC institution and two years of engineering courses in a partnering engineering program. The program has many partners, but HNTB is the largest Architecture and Engineering firm to join.
This partnership advances HNTB’s commitment to diversity in the workforce, all while supporting students through scholarships, mentorship and ultimately job opportunities. I am a product of this program, and it helped me grow personally and professionally. HNTB’s commitment in creating this partnership is one of the reasons I love this company so much.
What was your experience with AUCC-DDEP and how did it shape you as a professional?
Because of their partnerships with the AUCC, I graduated from the DDEP between Morehouse College where I received my Bachelor of Science in applied physics and North Carolina A&T State University where I received my Bachelor of Science in bio-environmental engineering.
With curriculum formulated to produce solutionists, students develop problem-solving mentalities and are expected to have a positive impact on their professions and communities, regardless of the size. I experienced strong camaraderie, competition, high levels of accountability, academic rigor and technical excellence that foundationally shaped everything from my worldview to my work ethic.
Increasing the percentage of diverse engineers in the U.S. doesn’t just benefit HNTB. We want to look like the population we serve, which helps our clients and our industry.
– Darius Broughton
Group Director, Municipal, Transit, Aviation & Design Build
What are the long-term impacts of this partnership?
We hope to combine our skills, time and resources in a way that is effective in producing more diverse talent for the AEC industry.
With an influx of federal spending on infrastructure, our industry is in a growth period. When we ask ourselves, “What talent do we need?” and “What are we doing to actively build a diverse workforce?” the answer can be found in partnerships like these.
Increasing the percentage of diverse engineers in the U.S. doesn’t just benefit HNTB. We want to look like the population we serve, which helps our clients and our industry. As we steward this partnership, we are a model for other firms and truly help bolster diversity in engineering.
