Seekonk, MA – Roger Williams University (RWU) and D.F. Pray General Contractors announced they are launching a career training and scholarship program to develop talent and support underrepresented students majoring in construction management.
The university announced D.F. Pray’s commitment of $100,000 to establish the D.F. Pray Scholars Program at RWU. The initiative will provide two RWU students with two-year scholarships spanning their junior and senior years, paid internships at D.F. Pray, career and professional development, and an additional stipend for housing and transportation costs. The Pray Scholars will be selected from rising juniors majoring in construction management, with preference given to women and underrepresented students, beginning in the Fall 2023 semester.
“This partnership between Roger Williams University and D.F. Pray is an exciting new way for us to work together to continue to nurture talent and expand access for diverse leaders in the construction management industry,” said RWU president, Ioannis N. Miaoulis. “When you put together our exceptional faculty and hands-on education at RWU’s School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management with the rigorous internship experiences that D.F. Pray will provide, the Pray Scholars Program will deliver a powerful and comprehensive training program that provides our students with successful preparation and transition into careers in construction management.”
“D.F. Pray is committed to leading the effort for greater gender diversity and minority representation within the construction management and design/build fields,” said Kathryn Pray, Esq. L’16 Roger Williams Alumni and director of strategic initiatives at D.F. Pray. “As an alum, I am thrilled to work with Roger Williams University on a partnership that links education and industry to make a real impact on creating a talented, inclusive, and diverse future workforce pipeline.”
Scott Pray, president of D.F. Pray, added, “The importance of providing access to opportunities and mentorship to develop the next generation of leaders in our field will make the critical difference between a thriving company and one that our globally interconnected industry leaves behind.”
