Twin Brothers Defy Reading Challenges to Earn Civil Engineering Degrees in the U.S

Jordan and Jaydan Crawford, twin brothers who once struggled with reading, have triumphed over early academic setbacks to earn Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), setting their sights on impactful careers in engineering. 

Initially denied admission due to low SAT scores, Jordan gained entry through FAMU’s Summer B session and received vital support from the university’s Center for Disability Access and Resources (CeDAR) and the Educating Engineering Students Innovatively (EESI) program. 

His brother Jaydan also joined the programs, both of which provided mentorship, academic accommodations, and confidence-building resources. 

“CeDAR and EESI saw something in me when others didn’t,” said Jordan, reflecting on how the programs opened doors he once thought were closed. 

The brothers flourished on campus — joining the Engineering Living-Learning Community (ELLC), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, and serving as board liaisons for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). 

Their dedication paid off: Jordan secured an internship with Kiewit to work on a major flood-control dam project, while Jaydan landed a second internship with Skanska USA, helping build a 3.2-mile bridge replacement. 

Looking forward, both aim to pursue master’s degrees in structural engineering and earn their Professional Engineer (PE) licenses — determined to prove that early learning struggles do not define future success.