When considering a new career path, the hefty price of higher education is often an unfortunate (but necessary) evil that you must face, in order to get the training and preparation you need to accomplish your goal. Thankfully, there are many grants and scholarships available for students who qualify. If you’re an aspiring contractor, you may be able to receive some of the following scholarships.
Build Your Future Scholarship (Associated Builders and Contractors, INC)
For this scholarship, there are 10 opportunities to receive $2,000 towards your classes each year. In order to qualify, you must be enrolled in a program certified by the National Center for Construction Education & Research. If you’re not currently enrolled in one of these programs, you can still apply so long as you are a high school senior, military service member or post-secondary student that is planning to enroll in the next available period. You can complete the application online through the Associated Builders and Contractors website.
Construction Trades Scholarship (National Association of Women in Construction)
While the National Association of Women in Construction sponsors this scholarship, gender does not seem to be an application requirement. The application does require that all applicants be enrolled in a training program for a construction-related trade or craft certified by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training, community college, technical school or equivalent. This scholarship also appears to be needs-based, as the application includes a section for explanation of financial need.
Galvanize the Future: An Edgar K. Schutz Memorial Scholarship (American Galvanizers Association)
This scholarship, developed by the American Galvanizers Association, is a bit more selective, with only three opportunities to receive support in the amounts of $2500, $1500 and $1000. It is only open to students enrolled at an accredited college/university in North America, so high school students are not eligible to apply. You can only qualify for this scholarship opportunity if you are majoring in architecture, engineering (civil or structural), construction management, material science or a related field.
National Technical Honor Society Scholarship (SkillsUSA, INC)
SkillsUSA is a group determined to cultivate a skilled workforce through career and technical education in American classrooms. They partnered with the National Technical Honor Society to provide four opportunities for members enrolled in SkillsUSA to receive a $1000 scholarship. Two of these scholarships will be awarded to high school students, and the other two will be awarded to postsecondary or college students. If you’re interested in this opportunity, be aware that the deadline is quickly approaching, as applications cannot be submitted after April 1st.
William Fenton Scholarship (Wabash Valley Community Foundation, INC)
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, is well known for its charitable work in their surrounding community. At the moment, this scholarship is only available to family (children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, and/or step-relatives) of members of their local Plumbers and Steamfitters Union (Local #157). These family members must also be enrolled in a construction or engineering degree program.
Application Considerations
Many of these scholarships require lengthy applications, letters of recommendation and/or personal essays. It is wise to make a realistic list of scholarships that you’ll have the time to apply for, and then work on the application requirements well before you go to click “apply.” Scholarship essays often have similar prompts, but no two essays you submit should be exactly the same. When in doubt, contact the organization in charge of the scholarship to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
