MCAKC is proud to celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients at Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University. From first-generation students to future project engineers, meet the students investing in their futures and the mechanical contracting industry. Read on to learn more about their stories and to see who’s been selected for the 2026–2027 school year.
As another academic year wraps up, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the students who are stepping up, getting involved, and building real futures in the mechanical contracting industry. Through our partnerships with Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University, MCAKC awards scholarships each year to students who demonstrate academic achievement, industry engagement, and a genuine commitment to their craft.
These aren’t just scholarships. They’re an investment in the people who will lead this industry forward.
Scholarship at Kansas State University
MCAKC funds an annual scholarship through the Kansas State University Endowment Fund. Each year, one undergraduate student is selected by the university’s general scholarship committee. To be eligible, students must be in good standing, enrolled in the Construction Science and Management Professional Program, and an active member of the MCA KSU Student Chapter. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need.
We’re proud to recognize Cole McClure as the 2025–2026 recipient of this scholarship. Congratulations, Cole! We look forward to announcing next year’s 2026–2027 recipient soon.
Scholarships at Pittsburg State University
Through Pittsburg State University’s Endowment Fund, MCAKC awarded $4,000 in scholarships for the 2025–2026 school year. Recipients are selected by our Scholarship Committee using a detailed scoring rubric that emphasizes industry involvement, including participation in the MCA Student Chapter, competition contributions, leadership roles, and career goals in the mechanical industry. Academic performance, financial need, and extracurricular involvement are also considered.
This year’s recipients each brought something unique to the table, and their essays made it clear why they earned this recognition.
David Fiscus shared that being part of the PSU chapter alongside the resources provided by MCAKC “opened more doors than I ever imagined during my first year.” As a self-supporting student, the scholarship allowed him to reduce his work hours and dedicate more time to school and chapter involvement, including attending MCAA conventions in Salt Lake City and Scottsdale.
Rileigh Manuel reflected on how much the experience changed her perspective: “I had no clue what the mechanical industry looked like before joining. This organization has opened my eyes to a whole other side of construction.” After interning with Cerris Systems in Kansas City, she loved it so much that she’s returning again this summer.
After interning with Cerris Systems, Missy Meigs found her place and her passion. “MCAKC has given me the confidence and support needed to find my career path, and for that I am truly grateful.” After graduation, she’ll be joining Cerris Systems as a Project Engineer and hopes to get involved with the Young Professionals Committee in the future.
To David, Rileigh, and Missy — congratulations. Your drive, your involvement, and your investment in this industry are exactly what make MCAKC’s mission worth it.
Announcing the 2026–2027 Pittsburg State University Scholarship Recipients
We’re also excited to announce that MCAKC has selected the following Pittsburg State University students to receive scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year:
- Rileigh Manuel (returning recipient)
- Bergen Souder
- Aidan Turner
Congratulations to each of you. We can’t wait to see what you build next!
About MCAKC’s Scholarship Program
MCAKC’s scholarship program is one of the many ways we invest in the future of the mechanical contracting industry. By partnering with universities, supporting student chapters, and connecting students to real-world opportunities, we help build the workforce our industry needs and the leaders our members deserve.
Want to learn more about our MCA Student Chapters at Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University? Visit our webpages linked above to see how MCAKC supports the next generation of mechanical contractors.