Investing in our future: developing a more diverse talent pipeline

October 21, 2021

As college and university students continue their fall semesters, Kiewit is kicking off a new partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) in support of the company’s continued efforts to recruit a more diverse talent pipeline.

Through the partnership, Kiewit will provide 20 engineering and construction management students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with an immersive two-day company experience. The experience will include opportunities to learn about Kiewit’s culture, meet employees, engage with executives, and learn about what a day in the life is like at Kiewit and in the construction and engineering industry.

Of the 20 initial participants, 10 students will be selected for Kiewit internships and $10,000 scholarships, based on financial need. TMCF and Kiewit will partner to create the student requirements and TMCF staff will assist Kiewit in identifying top talent from HBCUs.

“At Kiewit, this is one more example of the steps we’re taking to help ensure we have outstanding talent today and in the future,” said Doug Glaser, executive vice president and executive sponsor of the company’s ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. “To us, the opportunity to partner with an exceptional organization to open more doors to more exceptional, diverse candidates from HBCUs made all the sense in the world – for our business and for how we attract and retain people entering this field. We’re excited to see where this program goes in the coming years.”

Established in 1987, the TMCF is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also a source for top employers, like Kiewit, seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.

“We applaud Kiewit for their commitment to the Black College community,” TMCF Chief Programs Officer Dr. Eric D. Hart said. “Finding partners with shared values is a high priority for TMCF and the students we serve. Kiewit, like TMCF, is committed to education and serving its community. With those things in common, we look forward to the great things that will come from their support and engagement with TMCF.”

The TMCF and Kiewit partnership complements additional outreach efforts underway to attract a more diverse talent to Kiewit. In 2021, Kiewit’s University Recruiting team has more than a dozen events planned on HBCU campuses, in addition to outreach with chapters of Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Society of Military Engineers (SAME), and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) on campuses where Kiewit actively recruits.

Source: Kiewit

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