May 11, 2026
From early exposure to hands-on learning opportunities, student STEM events play an important role in shaping the future workforce. In this guest blog, Brian Ruggs, Georgia Resilience Water Operations Manager of Arcadis reflects on his own journey into engineering and shares why supporting programs, such as the LDAC Foundation, connect students to real-world STEM experiences matters now more than ever.
Through stories of mentorship, community involvement, and industry collaboration at The Water Tower, he highlights how investing in students today helps inspire the next generation of innovators and water professionals.
Most recently, Brian helped connect The Water Tower with LDAC students for a day of hands-on STEM activities and exposure to careers in the water industry, creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore future pathways and engage directly with industry professionals.
A Lifelong Journey Rooted in Curiosity
When I was in college, my mom found an old scrapbook chronicling my grade school years. Flipping through its pages, I was surprised to see that in Kindergarten, I’d written that I wanted to be an engineer. At age five, I’m almost certain I didn’t understand what an engineer actually did. But as I progressed through school, my interests in science, computers, and math only grew stronger—interests that have fueled my career and passion for supporting the next generation of STEM leaders.
This journey was shaped by programs like SECME (Science Engineering Communications Mathematics Enrichment), which I joined in high school. SECME’s mission—to increase the pool of historically underrepresented and underserved students pursuing STEM in college and careers—deeply resonates with me. It’s proof that early exposure and encouragement can make all the difference. Yet, according to the National Science Board’s Science & Engineering Indicators (2022), only about 13% of STEM bachelor's degrees are earned by students from underrepresented minorities, despite these groups making up nearly 30% of the U.S. population. Students from underserved high schools are 30% less likely to pursue STEM-related careers compared to their peers from higher-resourced schools (American Institutes for Research). This underscores the importance of targeted programs and support.
From Science Fairs to Science Labs: The Power of Community Support
In the early 2000s, I became involved with Robinson Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama, supporting their annual science fair by recruiting volunteer judges and providing sponsorships. It was always rewarding to watch the creativity and curiosity of students as they explored their first scientific questions. When the school district built a new Robinson Elementary, I noticed the beautiful new science lab had no tables. After some quick conversations and a little research, we were able to purchase the tables the students needed—ensuring every child had a hands-on space for discovery.
These experiences showed me how critical community support is in providing students not just with resources, but with the confidence to pursue their interests.
Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Kappa League and The Water Tower
My commitment to supporting youth STEM education has continued through my involvement with Kappa League, a program dedicated to the development of young men in grades 6–12. One of the core aspects of Kappa League is college preparation, and after moving to Georgia, I saw that The Water Tower’s workshops would be a perfect fit for our students. These programs expose young people to real-world water challenges, connect them with professionals, and help them envision themselves as future leaders in STEM.
Arcadis’ Commitment: Why I’m Proud to Be an Arcadian
Arcadis’ dedication to STEM education is one of the reasons I am proud to be an Arcadian. Across the globe, our teams invest in programs that open doors for students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to explore science, technology, engineering, and math.
Whether it’s sponsoring hands-on workshops like those at The Water Tower, mentoring students, or providing scholarships, Arcadis puts action behind our values. I’ve seen firsthand how our colleagues volunteer their time, share their experiences, and encourage young people to envision themselves as future innovators. These efforts create meaningful change, helping students build confidence and skills that can transform their lives and communities.
The Water Tower: A Hub of Inspiration in Gwinnett County
For the past three years, Arcadis has proudly sponsored student STEM workshops at The Water Tower. These events are more than just educational—they are transformative experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Students participate in hands-on activities, interact with professionals, and leave inspired to pursue STEM careers.
Why Supporting Student STEM Events Matters
Every STEM workshop, every mentoring session, and every scholarship plants a seed—one that can grow into a lifelong passion or a fulfilling career. Students gain confidence and direction; teachers benefit from new resources; and our communities strengthen their talent pipeline for the future.
The Water Tower consists of two nonprofit organizations: The Water Tower at Gwinnett, a 501(c)4 – responsible for the development and operations of the campus, and The Water Tower Institute, a 501c3 – responsible for solutions, instruction, and engagement programming. Together, these entities are cultivating an ecosystem of water innovation fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. The Water Tower brings together public and private sectors of the water industry, side by side with academia and nonprofits, to tackle the industry’s greatest challenges.