Troops to Engineers

About Us

History

Established in 2011, the Troops to Engineers (T2E) Program is a unique program currently offered exclusively at SDSU to student veterans in undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. This program provides specialized career assistance for student veterans seeking to improve their professional development skills, obtain paid internships and secure engineering specific employment upon graduation. T2E is funded by Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton to provide our program participants with specialized support opportunities to enhance their journey towards a successful career in their STEM field. T2E is dedicated to our veterans' success and strives to cultivate an environment for academic and professional excellence through our core program values: Community, Ingenuity, Excellence, and Diversity.

Mission

We are dedicated to empowering student veterans at SDSU to smoothly transition from military service to rewarding careers in STEM. We nurture innovation and are proud to help shape the future leaders of industry, both here in San Diego and across the nation.

PM Josh Imes outside of the Engineering building

Director, Troops to Engineers Program, San Diego State University

Joshua Imes

Joshua Imes is a dedicated leader and advocate for veteran success in higher education and beyond. As the Director of the Troops to Engineers (T2E) Program at San Diego State University, Josh brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role, guiding student veterans through their academic and professional journeys.

With a background that spans military service, public policy, and higher education, Josh is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life. His commitment to supporting these individuals is evident in the transformative initiatives he has spearheaded, including revitalizing the T2E program, securing vital funding, and establishing solid partnerships with industry leaders. Under his leadership, the program has achieved a 100% job placement rate for its participants, a testament to his dedication to ensuring that every veteran in the program is prepared for a successful career in engineering.
Josh's approach to leadership is rooted in mentorship and collaboration. He has cultivated a supportive environment where student veterans can thrive, offering workshops, networking opportunities, and career readiness resources that equip them with the tools they need to excel. His efforts extend beyond the campus, as he actively works to create pathways for community college students and develop strategic plans that enhance the program's reach and impact.

A proud advocate for the veteran community, Josh is passionate about bridging the gap between military service and civilian careers. His work is not just about helping veterans succeed—it's about empowering them to become leaders in their own right, in the engineering field, and beyond.