Forty first-year students in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Engineering — including 10 based at the Scott Campus in Omaha — have been chosen for the inaugural cohort of the Peter Kiewit Foundation Engineering Academy at Nebraska.

More than 100 applications were received for the program.

The academy seeks to recruit and retain students committed to supporting and advancing women in engineering in Nebraska and to providing students who have financial need with the resources and support to pursue careers in engineering, computing and construction.

The work of the academy is grounded in the Complete Engineer, a College of Engineering initiative designed to ensure students participate in experiential learning in tandem with the technical expertise provided by a Big Ten degree. Through a cohort-based program of 40 scholars each year, these students will be empowered to make a positive impact in their field through exclusive seminar courses, dedicated success coaching, and the support of faculty and staff.

Beyond developing students individually, the academy will foster an environment in the engineering community at large to increase gender diversity in the workforce and a sense of belonging for women in engineering, computing and construction.

Academy students will receive a scholarship that covers full tuition and fees for four years and may receive funding for a fifth year on a case-by-case basis. The scholarship will also cover the students’ housing and meals for up to four years in a University Housing residence. Academy students will have a common living experience during their first two years in the program, will enroll in cohort-specific freshman and sophomore seminars and will receive success coaching from dedicated program staff. Students will also receive a $500 book stipend to the university bookstore and a laptop for their studies.

Following is a list of students in the first cohort of the Peter Kiewit Foundation Engineering Academy, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their major. Their primary campus is in quotations.

• Bellevue: Anastasia MacNabb, software engineering (Lincoln); Maryam Sule, Bellevue, chemical and biomolecular engineering (Lincoln); Rayden Thompson, chemical and biomolecular engineering (Lincoln)
• Bennington: Anthony Montegut II, architectural engineering (Omaha)
• Blair: Karley Kaiser, software engineering (Lincoln)
• Elgin: Colton Wright, construction engineering (Lincoln)
• Grand Island: Oscar Bernabe Mateo, construction management (Lincoln)
• Kearney: Sydney Haffener, biological systems engineering (Lincoln); Jade Romero, computer science and engineering (Lincoln); Alexandria Vohland, biological systems engineering (Lincoln)
• Lincoln: Mary Addleman, biological systems engineering (Lincoln); Eric Andersen, software engineering (Lincoln); Shyarea Higgins, software engineering (Lincoln); Hayley Hogan, mechanical and materials engineering (Lincoln); Joy Johnson, chemical and biomolecular engineering (Lincoln); Alison Konz, chemical and biomolecular engineering (Lincoln); Zainab Ridha, software engineering (Lincoln); Ngoc Tran, electrical and computer engineering (Lincoln); Madison Weinrich, pre-engineering (Omaha)
• Norfolk: Tyler Gaspers, mechanical and materials engineering (Lincoln); Jozy Piper, architectural engineering (Omaha); Ryan Yost, architectural engineering (Omaha)
• Omaha: Ashlyn-Jordyn Barfield, construction management (Omaha); Lucia Chavez, computer science and engineering (Lincoln); Brandon Fuentes-Valdivia, pre-engineering (Omaha); Ashley Hernandez, civil and environmental engineering (Lincoln); Katia Henrriquez, computer science and engineering (Lincoln); Karla Hernandez Granillo, computer science and engineering (Lincoln); Audrey Hill, civil and environmental engineering (Omaha); Anette Jimenez Sanchez, chemical and biomolecular engineering (Lincoln); Sophia-Rae Mace, biological systems engineering (Lincoln); Abigail Murray, biological systems engineering (Lincoln); Teresa Plascencia, architectural engineering (Omaha); Estefany Puc Nieto, software engineering (Lincoln); Rachel Spawn, architectural engineering (Omaha); Ally Tranquilino, biological systems engineering (Lincoln); Elly Vo, biological systems engineering (Lincoln)
• Papillion: Hannah Howren, mechanical and materials engineering (Lincoln)
• Schuyler: Angelin Raymundo, pre-engineering (Omaha)
• Seward: Michael Peery, mechanical and materials engineering (Lincoln)

The program is funded and developed in partnership with the Peter Kiewit Foundation, a private independent philanthropic trust that has awarded more than $750 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1979.

The foundation was established by Peter Kiewit, a generous philanthropist and community leader who believed that Omaha was the best place to live in the United States. He attributed his success to the hardworking people of Nebraska and was determined to return his wealth and good fortune to its communities. After thoughtful planning throughout his lifetime, the bulk of his personal estate was set aside upon his death to create a foundation to support charitable and public purpose projects in Nebraska and other limited geographic areas. The foundation is a private independent philanthropic trust that is not legally or administratively affiliated with the operating companies that also bear Peter Kiewit’s name.

Learn more about the Peter Kiewit Foundation Engineering Academy.