Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: How Twin Rattlers Used CeDAR to Engineer Their Future
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — Jordan and Jaydan Crawford crossed the commencement stage together, just as they stepped onto the Hill four years ago — not only as identical twins but as shining examples of perseverance, purpose and the power of support. With civil engineering degrees in hand, zero student loan debt and competitive internships at top construction firms, they are laying the foundation for careers that will literally shape the world.
Launching Their Careers
This summer, both twins are bringing their classroom knowledge to the real world. Jordan is interning in Greenville, South Carolina, with Kiewit, one of North America’s leading construction and engineering firms, working on a major 700ft dam project to improve local floodplains.
“It’s new to me, but I’m doing something that’s very deep down in my field as a civil engineer,” he said.
Jordan and Jaydan Crawford pose with FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard on a new
construction site.(Photo special to FAMU)
Meanwhile, Jaydan will be in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, interning with Skanska USE Civil Southeast Inc., working on a 3.2 mile bridge replacement project that will improve regional transportation.
“This is actually my second summer with them. I estimated this bridge job last year, so it’s nice to see this part through,” he said.
Jordan and Jaydan both plan to pursue a master’s degree in structural engineering and are working toward obtaining their Professional Engineer (PE) license in civil-structure.
The Crawford brothers stand proudly in front of a completed construction project.
(Photo courtesy of FAMU)
Empowered Through CeDAR
The twin graduates of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering got their start with the help of Florida A&M University’s Center for Disability Access and Resources (CeDAR), which supports students with documented disabilities through academic and housing accommodations, emotional support animal registration, scholarships, and advocacy.
The program also offers the College Study Skills Institute (CSSI) for students who may not meet traditional criteria for admission. It was through this pathway that the Crawfords joined the “Highest of Seven Hills.”
“CeDAR was the program that accepted me, along with the Educating Engineering Students Innovatively (EESI)” said Jordan. “Those were the two programs that saw something in me. I really wanted to come to FAMU. I came in Summer B to prove myself.”
Originally denied admission due to standardized testing scores, Jordan’s determination opened doors. With CeDAR’s support, both he and his brother transformed learning challenges into leadership opportunities.
“Having FAMU accommodate me and offer those resources was extremely helpful — especially the mentorship and support,” Jordan said.
Jaydan added, “Coming from predominantly white institutions, I didn’t know what to expect from an HBCU. But CeDAR gave me insight — this is how we treat our FAMULY.”
From day one, the twins said CeDAR became more than a program — it was their safety net, launchpad and community.
“The quiet testing space really helped me,” Jordan said. “The sound of a pen click can be a distraction. CeDAR understood what I needed.”
But it wasn’t just about receiving support — it was about giving it. Jaydan credits CeDAR in addition to ESSI for helping him evolve into a confident mentor.
“CeDAR didn’t just make me a student,” he said. “It helped me become a mentor and inspired me to encourage others not to limit themselves because of a disability. At the same time, EESI recognized my potential and supported my growth. Together, these programs motivated me to lead and uplift others.”
Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of CeDAR staff — including Director Deborah Sullivan, Academic Advisor Gwendolyn Johnson & Joshua Lowder, Learning Specialist Anthony Wooten and Academic Coach Tyesha Thomas — the Crawford’s embraced their learning styles and grew into role models on campus.
“Everything we had to offer they took to heart and utilized it. I think that’s part of the reason they were very successful. They integrated what could be possible,” said Sullivan. “I am confident that they are going to continue with such great success.”
Building a Legacy
As the 14th and 15th members of their family to attend Florida A&M University, the Crawfords arrived in Summer 2021 determined to carve out their own legacy — and they did just that.
They were active members of the Engineering Living-Learning Community (ELLC), Educating Engineering Student Innovatively (EESI), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and Educating Engineering Student Innovation. Both also served as executive board liaisons for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), linking fellow students with professional opportunities.
Jordan served as a Peer-Assisted Study Session (PASS) leader in EESI, through this position, Jordan encouraged creative problem-solving environments and helped freshmen foster both academic success and a sense of community within the program. Alongside that, he earned recognition as a Theodore & Vivian Johnson Scholar, National Science Foundation STEM Scholar and a Cabot-FOSSI STEM Scholar.
Jaydan, recognized for his calm confidence, also served as a Peer-Assisted Study Session (PASS) leader in EESI, where he facilitated collaborative learning and played a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of academic sessions, supporting the educational progress of his engineering peers. In addition, he was honored as both a Theodore & Vivian Johnson Scholar and a National Science Foundation STEM Scholar.
“For me, leadership means lifting others and creating opportunities for future Rattlers to thrive,” he said. “My dream is to come back to the Hill and support students the way I was supported. I want to help build an engineering living facility for FAMU-FSU students.”
Jordan wants others managing learning difference to face them with pride. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you need help, get the help that you need. I’m proof that you can do that — and more,” he urged.
As the twins take the next steps in their careers, one thing’s for sure: their foundation is FAMU — and the future they are engineering is built to last.
Side by side, twin brothers receive their diplomas. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
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