Kevin Brown, Keeley Nunn and Lindsay Baer recognized for academic achievement, leadership and commitment to Pennsylvania’s construction industry
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) announced the recipients of its recurring college scholarships during the 2026 Construction Celebration, recognizing three outstanding students who are preparing to become the next generation of leaders in Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Kevin Brown, Keeley Nunn and Lindsay Baer.
The three students represent the mission of the KCA Scholarship Program: investing in Pennsylvania students pursuing construction-related careers and helping develop the workforce that will build the Commonwealth’s future.
Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown is a Dean’s List freshman at Pennsylvania College of Technology pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. Brown has maintained a 4.0 GPA while adjusting to college and is developing his technical knowledge through coursework in construction principles, blueprint reading, estimating, materials, safety and project scheduling.
A former Eagle Scout, Brown credits his experience in leadership and service with helping prepare him for a career in construction management. His Eagle Scout experience taught him how to organize teams, manage resources, communicate effectively and solve problems under pressure. He is also committed to gaining hands-on experience and learning the trades from the ground up.
Brown’s long-term goal is to earn a management position where he can lead teams, contribute to successful projects and uphold high standards of quality, safety and integrity.
As a first-generation college student, Brown said the scholarship represents more than financial assistance: “At times, I get overwhelmed by the cost of college but remind myself that this is an investment in my future.”
Brown said he looks forward to becoming the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree and ultimately contributing to the construction industry “with dedication and professionalism.”
Keeley Nunn
Keeley Nunn is entering Pennsylvania State University’s architectural engineering bachelor’s program with plans to pursue a career in construction management.
Nunn discovered her passion for construction while leading an Eagle Scout project at her high school. She planned and managed the construction of two 30-foot retaining walls that created raised memorial gardens at her school’s front entrance. The $8,000 project required fundraising, coordination with construction companies and suppliers, equipment and material donations, meetings and timeline management.
The experience changed the direction of her career aspirations: “I fell in love with the construction process. It felt amazing to be part of building something that would truly make a lasting impact.”
Nunn said the project helped her realize that she wanted to spend her future creating meaningful impacts in communities through construction.
A recent high school graduate, Nunn has already taken engineering and technical construction classes, pursued mentorship opportunities and completed dual-enrollment coursework at Harrisburg Area Community College. She plans to pursue internships during college and eventually work for a Pennsylvania construction company.
Her long-term goal is to become a leader in the construction field while encouraging other young women to consider careers in construction.
Lindsay Baer
Lindsay Baer is a third-year student at Penn State University studying Architectural Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management.
Baer has distinguished herself through both academic and industry leadership. She currently serves as President of Penn State’s Students of Partnership for Achieving Construction Excellence, where she leads executive board meetings, coordinates with industry sponsors and organizes professional development opportunities for students. She also organized and led an overnight trip to Washington, D.C., where students visited eight active construction sites and interacted with industry professionals.
Baer also completed her second summer internship with a Pittsburgh-based construction company, where she took on increased responsibilities in the field and helped lead and mentor new interns.
Looking ahead, Baer plans to pursue a leadership role in construction as a project manager. She hopes to use her education and industry experience not only to build a successful career, but also to inspire younger generations to consider careers in construction.
Baer summarized her commitment simply: “I am confident that construction is my future career path.”
She said the scholarship will also provide meaningful financial assistance, allowing her to reduce the burden of student loans and focus more fully on her academic, leadership and professional development goals.
Building Pennsylvania’s Future
The recurring scholarship program is part of KCA’s broader commitment to workforce development and ensuring that Pennsylvania has the skilled professionals and leaders needed to build its future.
“Kevin, Keeley and Lindsay represent exactly what we hope to see from the KCA Scholarship Program,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “They are not only doing well academically; they are already demonstrating leadership, gaining real-world construction experience and thinking about how they can make an impact on the industry.”
“The construction industry needs young people who are willing to learn, lead and build,” O’Brien added. “These three students are already doing all three.”
The KCA Scholarship Program was established to provide financial support to Pennsylvania students pursuing their education and preparing for careers that will contribute to the Commonwealth’s future. Since its inception in 2022, KCA has awarded more than $100,000 in college scholarships.
The program’s Pennsylvania-first mission requires recipients to be Pennsylvania residents attending a Pennsylvania college or university, with the intention of building their careers and contributing to Pennsylvania in the future.
“These scholarships are an investment in people,” said James Darr, KCA Education Committee Chairman. “When we support students like Kevin, Keeley and Lindsay, we’re helping build not just the next generation of construction professionals, but the future of Pennsylvania.”
About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is a leading voice for Pennsylvania’s construction industry. KCA represents contractors and industry partners throughout the Commonwealth and works to strengthen the construction industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, safety and professional development.
For more information about the KCA Scholarship Program, visit the Keystone Contractors Association at www.keystonecontractors.com.
Building Pennsylvania 