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July 2026

Kiewit Scholars Program at University of Nebraska Strengthens Industry’s Leadership Pipeline

by: Julie Devine
Kiewit Scholars from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln visit the Omaha Central Library project.
Kiewit Scholars from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln visit the Omaha Central Library project.
Kiewit Scholars from the Colorado School of Mines visit the Taxiway U project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Kiewit Scholars from the Colorado School of Mines visit the Taxiway U project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

As experienced professionals retire and demand for skilled leaders continues to grow, investing in the next generation has never been more important.

The Kiewit Scholars Program partners with select universities offering engineering and construction management programs. Ongoing partnerships include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana; University of Colorado Boulder; and Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

“The program reflects Kiewit’s commitment to stewardship by investing time, expertise, and resources into preparing students for careers in construction and engineering,” said Tammy Korgie, Director of the Kiewit Scholars Program. “It is intended to build early connections to the industry and support long-term professional growth.”

How It Works

Kiewit engages with student participants throughout the academic year through classroom involvement, mentorship, events, and hands-on learning experiences.

While each partnership is tailored in collaboration with university leadership, the program consistently includes:

  • Guaranteed internship offers
  • Mentorship from Kiewit employees
  • Engagement with company leaders and alumni
  • Project visits and hands-on experiences
  • Opportunities to build lasting relationships

“Scholars complement their academic coursework with direct industry exposure through internships, project visits, and engagement with Kiewit employees and leaders,” Korgie said. “They gain experience in both field and office environments, along with mentorship and structured programming that helps them understand how projects are delivered and how teams operate.”

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 10 College of Engineering incoming freshmen are selected each year through a competitive application process. Scholars participate in a curated, four-year cohort program that includes exclusive courses focused on leadership development, special group activities, immersive learning trips, a Kiewit internship offer, ongoing mentorship, and scholarships.

Developing the Next Generation

During the 2025-2026 academic year, Kiewit’s program included 122 active students across all participating universities. As of July 2026, 37 alumni were working at Kiewit full-time.

“The program is not structured as a recruiting commitment, though some participants choose to pursue careers with the company,” Korgie said. “Those who join bring prior internship experience, familiarity with project environments, and existing relationships within the company, allowing them to transition more quickly into their roles.”

For the industry’s workforce pipeline, “The program strengthens connections between industry and academia and creates more consistent interaction between students and professionals,” Korgie said. “It also provides opportunities for experienced employees to share knowledge and stay engaged in developing the next generation.”