Bristol, RI – With the goal of expanding and diversifying the talent pipeline within the construction and engineering industries, Roger Williams University (RWU) and Shawmut Design and Construction are launching a partnership to develop talented underrepresented students majoring in engineering and construction management.
The Shawmut Scholars Program will provide three RWU students with 4-year scholarship support, paid internships at Shawmut, career and professional development, and an additional stipend for housing and transportation costs. The inaugural Shawmut Scholars will be selected from new RWU students who choose engineering or construction management majors, entering as first-year students in fall 2021.
“For years, Shawmut has been a leading employer of our graduates, recognizing the real-world training that makes them ready to hit the ground running as construction professionals when they enter the workplace,” said RWU president, Ioannis Miaoulis.
“At Shawmut, we are deeply committed to the belief that organizations thrive when they foster talent and innovation through a diversity of people and thought,” said Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut. “We couldn’t have a better partner in developing the most talented professionals for our industry than Roger Williams University, with its outstanding and nationally-ranked programs in construction management and engineering.”
Nationally, the construction industry is facing a significant gap in diverse employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 3% of construction management professionals are Black, 15% are Hispanic, and 8% are women.
