CERRITOS, Calif.-- Roberto Barragán of South Gate and Nora Hernandez of Downey received the National Association of Women in Construction/R. D. Olson Construction scholarship. The scholarship presentation was held at the Sheraton, Cerritos.

This is the second year the Long Beach Area Chapter of NAWIC and R. D. Olson Construction have partnered to present scholarships to a select number of students in pursuit of a college degree in architecture, construction management or any related trades such as engineering.

"I am extremely grateful to NAWIC and R. D. Olson Construction for honoring me with this award," said Hernandez.

"The money will help me buy more tools for my design studio and computer software that I need so dearly," said Barragán.

Barragán is studying architecture at East L. A. College and plans to graduate in 2004. Hernandez is studying urban planning at Cal Poly, Pomona and plans to graduate in Dec. 2003.

NAWIC is a 6,500-woman organization with more than 200 chapters in the United States and Canada. Its core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

R. D. Olson Construction is an Irvine-based general contractor and construction management company specializing in hotels, retail outlets and business complexes.