The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University is now one of the fastest-rising engineering and technology programs in the country, following a transformational investment from GameAbove in 2021.

Established through a $5 million-plus naming gift, the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology (GACET) prepares students for careers in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation and advanced technologies through accredited programs, industry partnerships and hands-on learning. Today, GameAbove’s total contributions to Eastern Michigan University’s engineering and technology college exceed $8 million, supporting initiatives that expand access and opportunity, including scholarships.

What began as a strategic investment has become a catalyst for measurable growth across academic programs, national rankings, infrastructure development and workforce alignment—positioning Eastern Michigan University as a competitive force in engineering and technology education.

Expanding Engineering and Technology Programs at Eastern Michigan University

Since GameAbove’s initial investment in 2021, the college has grown to 13 accredited offerings, including mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and cybersecurity and information technology, earning new and renewed accreditations across engineering, aviation and technology.

All programs are supported by nationally recognized accreditations and designed to meet the evolving demands of industry. This expansion reflects a deliberate focus on aligning academic pathways with real-world workforce needs.

The results are clear. The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology is now ranked No. 60 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings—the highest placement in program history among institutions that do not offer doctoral degrees in the field. Among 291 eligible programs nationwide, Eastern Michigan University is the top-ranked public university in Michigan in this category.

Enrollment has also grown significantly. The college now represents 18% of EMU’s total student population, up from 9% in 2016, making it one of the university’s largest and fastest-growing academic units.

Investing in Advanced Engineering Labs and Infrastructure

GameAbove’s investment has supported major infrastructure advancement across the college, including a commitment to complete two renovation phases totaling $84 million to modernize the Sill and Roosevelt buildings. These efforts include the development of advanced labs in robotics, cybersecurity, virtual reality, vehicle dynamics and drone technology, many built in partnership with industry and government collaborators.

These facilities give students hands-on experience with the tools and technologies shaping the future of engineering, mobility and advanced manufacturing.

The college has also helped raise more than $100 million to support long-term growth and infrastructure development, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for engineering and technology education.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships and Workforce Pathways

A core focus of GameAbove’s investment philosophy is connecting education to opportunity.

Through expanded partnerships with companies such as Ford, Toyota, General Motors, Roush and Gulfstream, students at the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology gain access to internships, experiential learning and career pathways.

More than 180 industry leaders now serve on advisory boards across the college, helping guide curriculum development and ensure programs remain aligned with workforce demands.

The college has also secured key funding to advance research and innovation, including a $1.62 million cybersecurity grant supported by GameAbove and a combined $1 million award from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Roush.

Expanding Access to Engineering and STEM Careers

Expanding access to engineering and technology education has been a central outcome of GameAbove’s investment.

Today, the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology leads Michigan peer institutions in the percentage of African American students enrolled in and graduating from engineering and technology programs.

Programs such as Digital Divas and the Girls in Engineering Academy introduce hundreds of K-12 students each year to STEM fields through immersive, hands-on experiences. These initiatives are helping build a more diverse and inclusive pipeline of future engineers, technologists and innovators.

A Proven Model for Impact-Driven Investment in Higher Education

Over five years, GameAbove’s investment has helped transform Eastern Michigan University’s engineering college through program expansion, national rankings growth, infrastructure development and increased access to STEM careers.

Strategic enrollment planning and international partnerships have generated more than $5 million in revenue.

“The impact of this partnership with Eastern Michigan University has exceeded even our highest expectations,” said Chao Sun, vice president of investments and giving at GameAbove. “From expanding academic programs to strengthening industry connections and increasing access to opportunity, this is a model for how strategic investment in education can drive real, measurable outcomes.”

Five years later, the results reflect more than growth—they demonstrate what is possible when vision, partnership and purpose align.