Enabling Access to Construction Careers for Students from Low-Income Communities

The Pathway Scholarship Program was born out of a vision to provide opportunities for students from a variety of backgrounds by opening doors to careers in the construction industry. In partnership with Wallin Education Partners and spearheaded by Richard Harris, a former high school counselor and current leader at Mortenson, the program creates a comprehensive support system to help students transition from high school to college and, ultimately, into the workforce.

"I’ve always been passionate about recruiting and expanding the pipeline for students who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity," Harris explains. "We wanted to create something different and unique that would make a real impact."

Transforming Lives: The Story of Da’Kwon Young

One of the program's most inspiring success stories is that of Da’Kwon Young, who transitioned from experiencing homelessness to securing a full-time position as an Estimator I with Mortenson's Civil business. His journey exemplifies the life-changing impact of the scholarship and was prominently featured in a Minnesota Star Tribune article.

"The Star Tribune shared Da’Kwon’s journey, from working two jobs in high school and sleeping on his grandmother’s floor to now having a stable, successful career in construction," says Harris. "Stories like his show why this program matters."

Expansion and Success

Since its inception, the program has continued to grow and evolve. The first cohort of scholars has already made significant strides, with three students transitioning into full-time roles—two at Mortenson’s Minneapolis office and one specializing in estimating. A second cohort is now underway, reinforcing the program’s commitment to sustainability and long-term impact.

"The beauty of this process is that it’s a two-year program, so students stay engaged, complete their education, and move directly into career opportunities," Harris explains. "We’ve already seen incredible success, and we’re just getting started."

Industry-Wide Influence 

Beyond Mortenson, the program is inspiring other firms to adopt similar models. Already, four other construction and engineering organizations in the Twin Cities have launched their own initiatives based on the Pathway Scholarship framework. 

"One of our goals was to inspire other construction and engineering firms to think differently about how they recruit and support students," says Harris. "Now, we’re seeing a ripple effect throughout the industry."

Looking Ahead

With continued success in Minneapolis, discussions are underway to expand the program to other Mortenson markets. The model has the potential to drive meaningful change in multiple regions. 

"We’re looking at what it would take to replicate this program in other cities," Harris shares. "If we can find the right nonprofit partners, there’s no limit to how far we can take this."

The Pathway Scholarship Program is more than an investment in students—it’s an investment in the future of the industry. By providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and financial support, Mortenson is shaping the next generation of construction professionals while making a lasting impact on communities.