30 Jun 2025 Youth of the Month: Austin Mosby

By KD Reep

While many high school seniors are still deciding what the future holds, Austin Mosby already has blueprints in hand — literally. The Maumelle High School senior and 501 LIFE Youth of the Month is building a solid foundation for his career in civil engineering, one layer at a time.

As an ambassador for the Academies of Central Arkansas and a dedicated intern at Holloway Engineering in Maumelle, Austin has done more than just imagine his future — he’s already working in it.

“I already knew I wanted to do engineering,” he said, “but I wasn’t sure what kind. Interning at Holloway showed me what civil engineering really is. I got to work with site designs, storm drainage, erosion control and learn AutoCAD. It clicked for me. This is what I want to do.”

Austin was introduced to Holloway Engineering through the Central Arkansas Water Academy of Science & Construction at Maumelle High, where he’s part of the engineering pathway. He credits that program — and mentors like his teachers at Maumelle High — for helping him find his passion. At Holloway Engineering, his days are filled with meaningful, hands-on experiences. From drafting surveys to reviewing utility layouts and learning about stormwater systems, he’s not just a passive observer. Roy Andrews, a civil engineer and project manager at Holloway, said Austin is more like a junior team member than an intern.

“He’s very polite and talented and hits the ground running every day,” Andrews said. “If we’re not finished with something, and I need someone to stay late, Austin is the first to say yes. He’s helped us with everything from AutoCAD drafting to learning about drainage and grading for large-scale projects.”

While it’s rare to see such commitment and curiosity at a young age, Kristin Herring, director of academies for the Pulaski County Special School District, has watched Austin grow over the years and considers him a model student for the district’s academies program.

“Since 10th grade, he’s been a phenomenal ambassador for the engineering pathway,” said Herring. “He’s not only focused on his own success, but he also speaks to younger students to help them see the value of choosing a career pathway early. His perseverance and work ethic stand out. These engineering projects aren’t easy, but Austin never gives up.”

Now, with a 32 on his ACT and multiple scholarships in hand — including Louisiana Tech’s Bulldog and merit scholarships — Austin is headed to Ruston, Louisiana, to major in civil engineering. But he’s not leaving Arkansas behind for long. His ultimate goal? To return home and build the future of his hometown.

“I want to come back and work in Maumelle, hopefully with Holloway,” he said. “They’ve been a huge part of my journey. This summer, I plan to keep interning there until I leave for college. And if I can, I’d love to intern during the school year, too.”

Austin’s enthusiasm is palpable when he talks about surveying and drainage projects, which are his favorite tasks at Holloway. And though he’s passionate about water infrastructure right now, he remains open to exploring all aspects of civil engineering. His long-term plan includes earning a master’s degree and possibly a professional land surveyor certification.

While his academic and career achievements are impressive, Austin is also grounded in the everyday experiences that shape his character. For the past two years, he’s held a part-time job at Millennium Bowl in Maumelle, balancing school, work and his internship with remarkable maturity.

“Internships really help you figure out what you want to do,” he said. “They give you a better picture of what the job actually looks like, not just what you think it is. That can make all the difference.”

Herring agreed. “The beauty of the academies model is that it brings teachers and industry partners together to build small learning communities,” she said. “It gives students a sense of identity, purpose and belonging. Austin exemplifies all of that.”

Andrews echoed that sentiment. “Austin is exactly the kind of young person this program is meant to support,” he said. “I truly hope he comes back and joins us full-time. He’d be a great asset, not only to Holloway but to the entire Maumelle community.”

In a world where so many young people are still trying to figure things out, Austin Mosby stands tall — measuring, drawing, building — not just roads and drainage systems, but a life of purpose and promise.