Representatives from Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc. (IEA) visited campus on March 24 to present a check to establish scholarships for students majoring in Construction Management and Occupational Safety and Health within the College of Applied Science and Technology. IEA is a leading infrastructure construction company with specialized renewal energy, heavy civil, rail and environmental expertise. The company’s scholarship derived from a desire to promote the advancement of women and minorities in the applied sciences.
“IEA is investing in higher education scholarships to provide broad opportunities to students, including those from underrepresented groups and women,” said Morayma Da Silva, vice president of diversity and inclusion for IEA.
Corporate investment in the College of Applied Science and Technology has already made a difference in its curriculum offerings, allowing programs such as Occupational Safety and Health to embrace problem-based, hands-on learning experiences for its students.
“A critical component in that transition has been our industry partners,” explained Dr. Chris Grieshaber, chair of the Department of Health Sciences. “We could not have done it successfully without their support and are very excited to partner with IEA to provide more learning opportunities for our students.”
IEA’s financial support will have a direct impact on the lives of the company’s five scholarship recipients.
“Our Financial Aid Office estimates that the total cost of attending ISU for Illinois residents is about $31,000 per year, which includes just over $15,000 in tuition and fees,” said Dr. Ted Branoff, chair of the Department of Technology. “We thank IEA for supporting our students as they navigate college costs.”
“We appreciate that IEA sees an opportunity to invest in our students which supports their dream of a degree and a successful future,” said Dean Todd McLoda of the College of Applied Science and Technology. “The students who complete their degree in Illinois are much more likely to remain in Illinois for employment. IEA’s investment supports students today and into the future, and their gift is immediately impactful for qualified students who are struggling to pay tuition.”
“It’s powerful when you have a table filled with diverse minds, and that is what I want to bring to IEA,” said Da Silva of her hopes for the partnership. “A diverse workforce is an asset to the company.”
