ACEC California Awards Over $100,000 in Scholarships to Future Engineers and Surveyors
The American Council of Engineering Companies of California, commonly known as ACEC California, has made a significant investment in the education of the next generation of engineers and surveyors by announcing the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Program. This year, a total of $102,500 was awarded to 14 standout students, including six graduate and eight undergraduate candidates who are currently pursuing degrees in engineering and land surveying across various California colleges and universities.
This annual scholarship initiative is managed by the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation and aims to provide financial support to talented students preparing for careers in engineering and related fields. In addition to the funding provided by ACEC California, these students also have the opportunity to receive additional financial aid from local ACEC chapters and the national organization, thereby broadening access to educational resources.
Senator Dave Cortese, a Democrat representing San Jose, commended ACEC California for its commitment to nurturing skilled professionals within the state. "These scholarships expand access to the education and training needed for students to pursue meaningful careers in engineering and land surveying related fields," he stated. Senator Cortese highlighted the importance of a well-equipped workforce for California's future, which relies heavily on a robust infrastructure and engineering capability.
The 2026 scholarship recipients have exhibited exceptional academic prowess, coupled with noteworthy real-world experiences. These students have balanced rigorous educational requirements with valuable internships, professional roles, applied research, and leadership in both student and industry organizations. Notably, the recipients come from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation college attendees, veterans, and individuals returning to academia to elevate their careers.
Tyler Munzing, the executive director of ACEC California, expressed pride in the scholarship recipients, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of the engineering and surveying industry. Munzing remarked, "As our state continues to prioritize the modernization of our critical infrastructure, investing in the next generation of engineers and land surveyors has never been more vital. We are proud to support these outstanding individuals as they prepare to lead California toward a more innovative and efficient future."
A comprehensive review process was conducted by the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation’s volunteer Board of Trustees, which comprises esteemed professionals in the engineering field. The selection committee, led by Chris Diaz of Diaz•Yourman Associates, included industry leaders such as Donald Blackburn, Jeff Gavazza, Michael Jaeger, Henry Liang, Jane Rozga, and Aundrea Tirapelle, who thoroughly evaluated over 150 scholarship applications.
The scholarship funds are scheduled to be released to the recipients at the beginning of the fall semester in 2026. The awarded scholars are as follows:
For more information about the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation and the students who have been awarded scholarships, visit www.acec-ca.org/scholarship.
ACEC California serves as a representative body for over 1,000 engineering and land surveying firm offices and nearly 25,000 professionals dedicated to enhancing California's residential, commercial, industrial, and public works infrastructure.
This annual scholarship initiative is managed by the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation and aims to provide financial support to talented students preparing for careers in engineering and related fields. In addition to the funding provided by ACEC California, these students also have the opportunity to receive additional financial aid from local ACEC chapters and the national organization, thereby broadening access to educational resources.
Senator Dave Cortese, a Democrat representing San Jose, commended ACEC California for its commitment to nurturing skilled professionals within the state. "These scholarships expand access to the education and training needed for students to pursue meaningful careers in engineering and land surveying related fields," he stated. Senator Cortese highlighted the importance of a well-equipped workforce for California's future, which relies heavily on a robust infrastructure and engineering capability.
The 2026 scholarship recipients have exhibited exceptional academic prowess, coupled with noteworthy real-world experiences. These students have balanced rigorous educational requirements with valuable internships, professional roles, applied research, and leadership in both student and industry organizations. Notably, the recipients come from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation college attendees, veterans, and individuals returning to academia to elevate their careers.
Tyler Munzing, the executive director of ACEC California, expressed pride in the scholarship recipients, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of the engineering and surveying industry. Munzing remarked, "As our state continues to prioritize the modernization of our critical infrastructure, investing in the next generation of engineers and land surveyors has never been more vital. We are proud to support these outstanding individuals as they prepare to lead California toward a more innovative and efficient future."
A comprehensive review process was conducted by the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation’s volunteer Board of Trustees, which comprises esteemed professionals in the engineering field. The selection committee, led by Chris Diaz of Diaz•Yourman Associates, included industry leaders such as Donald Blackburn, Jeff Gavazza, Michael Jaeger, Henry Liang, Jane Rozga, and Aundrea Tirapelle, who thoroughly evaluated over 150 scholarship applications.
The scholarship funds are scheduled to be released to the recipients at the beginning of the fall semester in 2026. The awarded scholars are as follows:
- - Todd Allen-Gifford (Stanford University): pursuing a master's in structural engineering and construction engineering.
- - Owen Daulton (Loyola Marymount University): pursuing a master's in mechanical engineering.
- - Thao Huynh (San Jose State University): pursuing a bachelor's in software engineering.
- - Caden Kakoschke (California State University, Long Beach): pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and naval architecture and marine engineering.
- - Gaurav Kumar (University of California, Los Angeles): pursuing a bachelor's in computer engineering.
- - Grace Murphy (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo): pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.
- - Carlos Navea (San Diego State University): pursuing a master's in civil engineering and structural engineering.
- - Ryan Nguyen (California Polytechnic State University, Pomona): pursuing a master's in civil engineering.
- - Jacey Niiya (Stanford University): pursuing a master's in structural engineering.
- - Peter Otoshi (California Polytechnic State University, Pomona): pursuing a bachelor's in civil engineering.
- - Emily Petersen (California State University, Fresno): pursuing a bachelor's in surveying and geomatics engineering technology.
- - Paisley Tabor (Stanford University): pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.
- - Victor Vega (University of the Pacific): pursuing a bachelor's in civil engineering and structural engineering.
- - Zenia Zipp (California State University, Fresno): pursuing a master's in civil engineering and surveying and geomatics engineering.
For more information about the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation and the students who have been awarded scholarships, visit www.acec-ca.org/scholarship.
ACEC California serves as a representative body for over 1,000 engineering and land surveying firm offices and nearly 25,000 professionals dedicated to enhancing California's residential, commercial, industrial, and public works infrastructure.
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