Bentley’s Premier Scholar Program Elevates Infrastructure Engineering

• 21 November 2025
• Construction Focus
• 909 Views

The Bentley Systems Premier Scholar Program, an intensive accreditation for expert users of Bentley’s infrastructure design software, is proving to be a powerful catalyst for innovation, leadership, and expertise in the global engineering community.

The program focuses on driving deeper, more meaningful usage and understanding of key Bentley applications, transforming skilled engineers into accredited leaders and innovators.

Volaree Rendon, Bentley Systems’ director of solution engineering, launched the intensive program six years ago. Her vision was to create a rigorous “boot camp” that would certify and inspire the best and brightest engineers, allowing them to lead technical discussions and mentor colleagues.

The program specifically targets advanced training in Bentley’s crucial design tools, such as OpenRoads and OpenBridge.

OpenRoads is the software for the planning, design, construction, and operation of roadways, intersections, roundabouts, drainage, and utilities, while OpenBridge is used for bridge modeling, analysis, and design.

According to Rendon, the program aims at boosting the ability to leverage Bentley software for advanced digital delivery. A team of graduates recently demonstrated this by creating a digital twin of local infrastructure (interstate, rail, overpass) that allowed conference attendees to visualize, measure, and analyze the model’s data in real time, without needing CAD software.

Graduates, such as Kyle Rosenmeyer, report an immediate boost in credibility and are taken more seriously as OpenRoads/OpenBridge experts. This newfound autonomy allows them to have greater influence in deciding how projects are modeled and how final products are created. Rosenmeyer even leveraged the accreditation to pivot his career into a full-time technology, teaching, and training role.

Additionally, graduates earn the “Premier Scholar” status, a gold badge, and entry into an elite Alumni Community. This community sustains engagement through year-round “master class” sessions, fostering a global network of specialists who can share insights and drive the future of infrastructure design.

Since its pilot in 2021, the Premier Scholar Program has grown into a sought-after accreditation with over 200 alumni worldwide.

Francois Valois, Bentley’s senior vice president for Open Applications, notes that the program strengthens advanced skills through case studies and allows Bentley to tap into the energy and innovation among its users.

The program plans to expand its offerings soon to include OpenRail, further cementing its role in cultivating leadership among the global users of Bentley’s software solutions.

• Bentley Systems
• OpenBridge
• OpenRoads
• Bentley's scholarship