The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) announced today four recipients of its 2024 Scholarship Awards for undergraduate and trade school students:

• First-Place Winner: Margaret Konczak, St. Ambrose University, $12,000, sponsored by Progress Rail.
• Second-Place Winner:  Eddie Hotzel, Kansas State University, $6,000, sponsored by Stella-Jones Corporation.
• Third-Place Winner: Zoee Robinson, University of Southern Mississippi,$3,000, sponsored by R.J. Corman Railroad Services, LLC.
• Trade-School Winner: Ashlyn Fry, Chippewa Valley Technical College, $3,500,sponsored by Northern Plains Rail Companies.

“The NRC Scholarship Committee reviewed dozens of applications from exemplary students who represent a broad cross-section of our member companies,” says TraConcepts President Maggie Vuono, who also serves as chairperson of the NRC Education & Scholarship Committee. “This year’s award winners have diverse interests and courses of study but share a common commitment to educational excellence and community involvement. The NRC is thrilled to invest in the future of these qualified undergraduates. Congratulations to our four winners:  Margaret, Eddie, Zoee, and Ashlyn.”

The NRC has awarded more than $300,000 in tuition assistance for 30-plus undergraduates since the awards began in 2013. The association awards scholarships each year to provide higher-education tuition assistance for children, grandchildren, and employees of NRC member companies. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students at an accredited two-year college offering an associate degree, an accredited four-year college or university offering a bachelor’s degree, or a trade school.

About the NRC: The NRC is a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transit and passenger lines. Founded in 1978, the NRC connects members with other railway industry professionals and government officials and policymakers. The NRC collaborates with its members, government, and industry leaders to create a positive business climate and to make railway construction and maintenance safer and more efficient.