In an era where the construction industry faces a pressing need for skilled leaders, Roger Williams University (RWU) in Bristol, Rhode Island, has taken a significant step forward by announcing the selection of four incoming students for its prestigious Shawmut Scholars program. This initiative, developed in collaboration with a leading Boston-based firm, Shawmut Design and Construction, aims to cultivate the next generation of talent in construction management and related fields. By offering full-tuition scholarships, guaranteed paid internships, and direct mentorship from seasoned professionals, the program stands as a beacon of opportunity for students eager to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. It targets not only construction management majors but also those in architecture or business who commit to a minor in the field, ensuring a diverse pool of participants ready to tackle industry challenges with innovative perspectives and practical skills honed over years of guided experience.
Building Bridges Between Education and Industry
The Shawmut Scholars program is designed to provide an immersive learning experience that goes far beyond traditional classroom education. Participants are given the chance to rotate through active construction sites, shadow project managers, and gain hands-on knowledge of critical areas such as safety protocols, budgeting, and scheduling. This practical exposure, paired with mentorship from experienced team members at Shawmut, equips students with the confidence and leadership skills necessary to excel in a competitive field. The initiative ensures that graduates emerge with a degree, four years of tangible experience, and a professional network that typically takes much longer to establish. RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis has highlighted the unparalleled access this partnership offers, emphasizing how mentorship from industry leaders and exposure to live job sites prepare students for immediate impact. This unique blend of academic rigor and experiential learning sets a high standard for preparing future professionals in construction and related disciplines.
Celebrating New Talent and Proven Success
The latest cohort of Shawmut Scholars includes Kat Almeida from Rhode Island and Emma Jackson from Connecticut, both pursuing construction management, alongside Andie Moreira from New Hampshire and Ary Ponce from New York, who are studying architecture with a minor in construction management. This diverse group follows in the footsteps of a previous cohort that graduated in May, with two alumni securing roles at Shawmut’s offices in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, while another explored opportunities elsewhere. Their success underscores the program’s effectiveness in facilitating immediate career placement. Michelle LaFleur, Chief Human Resources Officer at Shawmut Design, expressed immense pride in nurturing talent through this four-year journey of mentorship and real-world engagement alongside RWU’s nationally ranked programs. The shared vision between the university and the firm reflects a commitment to expanding the talent pipeline, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to address the industry’s evolving demands with skill and innovation.
