Civil Engineers’ IMAX Dream Earns Corporate Funding

Talk about dreaming big.

For years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has been eyeing a big-screen approach to drawing attention to the world of engineering. It’s been putting work into creating a film—working title Dream Big: Engineering Wonders of the World—that would highlight the engineering part of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. The goal? To inspire K-12 students to consider engineering.

The problem, of course, is that creating such an ambitious film costs money. But one of ASCE’s corporate members is stepping up. Bechtel, the largest civil engineering firm in the United States—as well as one of the largest privately owned corporations in the world—announced this week that it would cosponsor the film, giving the effort the funding it needs to move from concept to reality.

“Every day, engineers bring creativity, discipline, and passion to their work. The film will show how engineers dream big to create a sustainable future and better quality of life for people everywhere,” said Charlene Wheeless, Bechtel head of global corporate affairs, in a news release  (opens in a new tab). “The production also gives us a fresh way to reach out to girls—a group that we know from countless research studies is less likely to pursue STEM careers.”

Before Bechtel stepped up, support for the film had largely been driven by the ASCE Foundation’s fundraising efforts.

“Through the Dream Big initiative ASCE aims to educate the public about the awe-inspiring work of civil and other engineers around the globe, while motivating students to get excited about and see engineering in an entirely different light,” ACSE President Robert D. Stevens said in a news release.

Dream Big will hit giant theater screens in February 2017.

(MacGillivray Freeman films)