Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awards 28 scholarships for future engineers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky is offering scholarships worth thousands of dollars to help educate the next generation of engineers.

Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet has announced 28 new scholarship recipients for the Fall school year for students planning to pursue careers in the field of transportation.

There's three scholarship focuses: civil engineering, construction management and civil engineering technology.

The program is unique because it offers tuition scholarship funds, a paid summer job or co-op and the guarantee of a full-time job with the cabinet after graduation.

J.P. Mohsen is a UofL civil engineering professor and Associate Dean of Administration and Faculty Affairs.

He said the investment from KYTC further highlights the importance of the role of civil engineers.

"Civil engineering is truly a people serving profession," Mohsen said. "They will end up being in a career that will be benefiting the mankind."

It also comes during a time of high demand.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said employment for civil engineering is expected to grow by six percent in the next 10 years. Faster than the average for all occupations.

Daniel Noble is in his second year at UofL Speed School of Engineering -- and his second year as a recipient of the KYTC Civil Engineering Scholarship.

Noble's passion for building started as a child.

"Pretty much when I started playing with Legos, I loved it entirely," he said.

He now receives a little more than $7,000 each school year from his scholarship.

"Making college easier, at least for the financial aspect of things, so I don't have to work a part time job," he said.

The Speed School also requires a co-op to graduate. Noble is able to check that off with KYTC. Lastly, Noble said he's already looking forward to full-time employment with the cabinet.

"I call it the scholarship, like a Triple Crown winner," Noble said.

Mohsen said the program has been life-changing for the more than 100 UofL engineering students who have benefited from it over the years.

"It's truly a win-win situation," Mohsen said.

"Many of the very successful engineers that have gone through the ranks in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and have reached leadership positions have gone through this, this scholarship process," said J.P. Moshen a civil engineering professor at the University of Louisville. "The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has been using this method to develop a diverse workforce, which has proven very, very efficient and effective.

Mohsen encourages anyone who has a plan to study civil engineering to apply.

The next cycle of applications will begin in November 2024 and the deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2025.

For more information about these scholarships and other educational opportunities, CLICK HERE or call (502) 564-3730.

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