Scholarship America Program Q&A: Kleinfelder Academic Scholarship Plan

Founded in 1961, Kleinfelder, Inc. is a professional services firm specializing in engineering, construction management, design, and environmental services. With more than 110 offices in North America and Australia, the San Diego-based company employs engineers, scientists, and construction professionals to improve its clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure.

Kleinfelder’s mission is to “harness the energy and creativity of our bright people to enrich our communities by creating and improving infrastructure and protecting the environment.” To support that mission, the company created the Kleinfelder Academic Scholarship Plan in the early 2000s, offering scholarships to the dependent children of employees and to interns at Kleinfelder.

Scholarship America is proud to administer the program, and we spoke to Kleinfelder’s Marie Mitchell-Jackson about the scholarship’s impact and the company’s hopes for the future.

Scholarship America (SA): What’s your role at Kleinfelder, and how do you work with the scholarship program?

Marie Mitchell-Jackson (MM-J): My official title is Senior Human Resources Specialist. I manage the benefits and 401(k) retirement plan. I also oversee the leave of absence program with an outside consultant and am responsible for the ADA accommodations process.

I was selected by my manager at the time to oversee the scholarship program when it was first launched. I am involved from start to finish, including communicating the annual rollout to all employees, processing invoices, reviewing eligibility, and announcing the winners.

SA: The Kleinfelder scholarship program is approaching its 20^th anniversary. How has the program grown since it started?

MM-J: Since its inception, the program has awarded almost 350 scholarships to the tune of approximately $800,000, and the program remains wildly popular with our employees.

SA: What are the impacts you’re most proud of?

MM-J: Today’s students face  increasing challenges such as rising tuition costs and student debt. This program helps alleviate some of that stress so that they can concentrate on their educational goals.

In a thank-you note to Kleinfelder, one award recipient stated that the support not only eased his financial burden but has also inspired him to continue striving for academic and personal excellence. To me, that’s just one example of how the program can play a role in transforming lives and opening the doors to career opportunities.

SA: Are there any other stories from employees or their children that have really stuck with you?

MM-J: Yes, absolutely! This story has stuck with me over the years because the recipient was the daughter of one of our employees in the San Diego office where I work.

After earning a B.S. in chemistry, she began working in the San Diego office. She had all of the qualities that would allow her to be successful in life: very smart, driven, and an absolute pleasure to be around. She was employed by Kleinfelder for a year and a half before deciding to further her education to pursue a career in medicine. That was over 12 years ago, and she now runs her own medical practice. Interestingly, her connection to Kleinfelder remains strong, as her father still works here.

SA: How does this scholarship program complement Kleinfelder’s employee recruitment and retention efforts?

MM-J: To me, this program goes hand in hand with the company’s goal of connecting great people to the best work. Just as we align our employees’ talents with meaningful projects, this program helps support the next generation in pursuing their own educational and career paths.

Overall, the program represents Kleinfelder’s commitment to our people. With our offerings and seeing the program flourish over the last twenty years, our employees benefit from having their children or other loved ones receive scholarships and/or internships. It brings a great sense of pride to our employees, and we highlight the scholarship recipients and interns annually across the entire company. Additionally, providing financial support helps reduce the financial burden many employees face when supporting the educational needs of their loved ones.

SA: Unusually, your interns can benefit from your scholarship program as well. Tell us a little about how that component works.

MM-J: Our interns are hired as Kleinfelder employees. They can work a flexible schedule to accommodate their classes and receive pay for any hours worked. They are encouraged to apply for a scholarship award even if they’ve temporarily stepped away to focus on school.

All interns are encouraged to apply, and applications are not limited to engineering roles. Interns from any discipline or department may participate.

SA: Do those interns tend to stay connected with Kleinfelder through their careers?

MM-J: Of the interns who were scholarship recipients in the past 20 years, nearly one-third have gone on to become full-time Kleinfelder employees. Through Kleinfelder’s Educational Reimbursement Program, employees can continue their studies and earn advanced degrees and professional licenses.

I believe that the culture, benefits, work-life balance, and meaningful work are a draw for these employees.

SA: How do you see your program evolving and developing in the coming years?

MM-J: As an organization, Kleinfelder continues to evolve and innovate. As enhancements and efficiencies are made through technical applications, we will explore ways to positively engage new applicants, as well as continue to seek feedback on how we can improve our application experience.

Kleinfelder will also continue to seek solutions that benefit our employees—it is our people who make Kleinfelder a great company to work for.

SA: What advice would you give to applicants?

MM-J: First and foremost, start the application process early, so that you can give more thought to your achievements, meaningful extracurricular activities, community involvement, etc. If you don’t receive an award, learn from the experience and don’t let it prevent you from pursuing your personal goals. Remember, you can always apply next year if you still satisfy the eligibility requirements!

Lastly, don’t be hesitant to volunteer for projects that are outside of your comfort zone.  This expands your horizons and instills confidence.