Congratulations to our 2023 scholarship recipients!
CT Consultants and Shumaker Advisors have offered nearly $130,000 in scholarships to minority engineering students attending accredited universities within their company footprint since 2008. The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and the National Society of Black Engineers also sponsor the Minority Engineering Student Scholarship.
Jyae McWilson, a graduate student at Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative – Kent State University, was awarded one of the $2,500 Minority Engineering Student Scholarships by CT Consultants and Shumaker Advisors. Jyae is a graduate student studying architecture.
“I am immensely grateful to be chosen for the Minority Engineering Student Scholarship. The significance of receiving this scholarship will deeply influence my path. Beyond its financial aid, it stands as a profound recognition of my capabilities. It validates my strenuous hours, late nights, and unwavering dedication to my profession. This scholarship means more than just money; it will allow me to make lifelong connections with the people in the organization while also allowing me to pursue higher education without financial stress. As I begin this educational journey, I’m determined to prove the faith placed in me by pushing my limits, embracing challenges, and giving back to my community.”
Jyae is a past member of the American Institute of Architecture Students and the National Organization of Minority Architect Students.
She is a proud first-generation college student looking forward to focusing on architectural revitalization after obtaining her architectural license. Her past experience with architecture includes an internship with architectural firm Bialosky Cleveland. McWilson has continued her growth in graduate school and enhanced her skills in the field; she is already bringing much passion.
Ciarah Candelario, a third-year student at Youngstown State University, was awarded one of the $2,500 Minority Engineering Student Scholarships by CT Consultants and Shumaker Advisors. Ciarah is an honors scholar studying Civil and Construction Engineering Technology.
“I am truly honored to have been chosen as a scholarship recipient, and I can’t wait to make the most of this life-changing opportunity! This scholarship means so much to me and my future aspirations. Receiving this scholarship is not only a recognition of hard work and dedication, but it also brings tremendous financial relief for my education. I am immensely grateful to the selection committee for seeing the potential in me and providing me with this incredible opportunity.”
Candelario is active with the Youngstown State community and a natural leader. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers and serves as Secretary for the STEM Leadership Society.
Upon graduation, Ciarah would like to work for a purpose-driven engineering firm that prioritizes community over profit. She is motivated by family, her faith, and a desire to give back to communities. Candelario is currently enjoying an internship with the Ohio Department of Transportation. She is looking forward to taking on more responsibility with leadership roles in her various organizations in the upcoming academic year.
Courage Kusena, a senior at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), was awarded the $5,000 Edwin B. Hogan Memorial Scholarship by CT Consultants and Shumaker Advisors. Courage is a Global Legal Entity Identifier Think Energy Fellow. She is majoring in civil engineering and art history.
“It is an honor to be the recipient of the Hogan scholarship. When applying for this scholarship, what stood out to me was its legacy of community involvement and its support of black students. As a young black African woman in the field of civil engineering, I rarely see people who look like me or people who come from where I come from, and one thing I am very passionate about is changing that. I’m extremely passionate about the future of African infrastructure and advocating for Africans being the center of that future and this scholarship will go a long way in making sure that I can achieve this goal. I hope this inspires more young black women to reach for their goals despite the obstacles they may face. It’s very possible and we’re very capable.”
Courage has skillfully balanced academics, community service, and leadership roles while finishing her dual degree program. Upon graduation in the spring, she is interested in giving back to her home country of Zimbabwe. Throughout college, she has been actively committed to securing the future of Africa.
Courage’s engineering experience includes being a Teaching Assistant for Statics and Strength of Materials at CWRU. She also worked on the Sustainability Team for the CWRU American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Symposium and serves as their Public Relations Officer. She plans to attend graduate school and focus on researching sustainable construction materials in the context of Africa and climate change with the goal of creating lasting structures.