July 30, 2008 – KS Associates has awarded its third academic scholarship in support of The University of Akron's (UA) Women in Engineering (WIE) program. The program was designed to encourage female students to pursue careers in engineering.

This year's $2,500 scholarship recipient is Heather Parker, a junior enrolled in UA's Civil Engineering Program.

This is the third consecutive year in which Parker has received the scholarship. She was selected based on her academic performance and her passion for the civil engineering discipline. In her application Parker wrote, "I was born and raised in the industry. I chose civil engineering to satisfy my love for math, to carry on my family's legacy and to fulfill my great interest in and love for construction."

KS Associates' President and Co-owner Lynn S. Miggins, P.E., established the scholarship in 2005. According to Miggins, "KS Associates believes that hardworking, dedicated students such as Heather have unlimited potential when given the best opportunities and necessary support." The annual scholarship is available to female civil engineering students of sophomore status and above who demonstrate academic excellence and who have a minimum grade-point-average (GPA) of 2.75.

Upon graduation, Parker plans to work for an environmental engineering firm. She also has an interest in mentoring female engineering students and promoting women in engineering. Parker noted, "I want to make a difference in the world and give back to the community that has given so much to me."