The full group of Kiewit Scholars, including the new 2023-24 cohort.

For students, stepping into the workforce already honed with industry-specific skills and real-world experience is a significant differentiator to professional success. That’s precisely what the Kiewit Scholars program is about — providing students access to mentors, internships and hands-on learning so they can one day make their own mark on the construction industry.

After a successful inaugural year during the 2022-2023 academic year, the program welcomes a new 2023-2024 cohort of remarkable Purdue sophomores to join the ranks of Kiewit Scholars. Out of 90 applicants, five were selected — three sophomores from Purdue College of Engineering and two from Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

This year’s newest Kiewit Scholars are: Amareah Bead, civil engineering; Andi Flittner, construction engineering and management; Karli LoDuca, civil engineering; Louis Mariacher, construction management; and Ally Sitzman, construction management.

Developed in partnership with one of the U.S.’s largest construction and engineering organizations, Kiewit, the program awards scholarships up to $10,000 for in-state students and up to $16,000 for out-of-state students majoring in construction and design disciplines.

The Kiewit Scholars program offers substantial financial support coupled with hands-on career growth opportunities, including mentoring from experienced Kiewit professionals, engaging construction and design internships, involvement in industry conferences, networking events, special guest lectures and participation in the exclusive annual Kiewit Scholars contest.

Although this is the program’s second year, this semester hosted the Kiewit Scholar’s first organized field trip. The field trips allow students to explore real-world projects and understand how modern industry leaders solve complex challenges.

On October 9, the scholars joined Jim Rowings, Kiewit vice president and engineering alumni (BSCE ’75, MSCE ’79, PhD CE ’82) at the O’Hare Resignaling project. The project is part of a $492 million renovation plan updating the Blue Line O’Hare Branch infrastructure.

Scholars toured completed portions of the project where Kiewit teams upgraded the track, stations, signals and traction power and resolved water problems on the subway. Kiewit experts also explained how they managed complicated hurdles, like working quickly to reduce the impact of a total rail line closure. Additionally, students participated in a riverboat tour of Chicago’s renowned historic architecture.

With every new cohort, the Kiewit Scholars program is dedicated to nurturing the next wave of innovative and skilled construction professionals through its unique experiential learning and mentorship opportunities.

To learn more about the program or to apply for the 2024-2025 cohort, visit the program’s homepage.