ConstructMyFuture.com has selected the 2006 winners in its annual scholarship program aimed at maintaining a quality construction industry workforce. Each year the program awards three $1,000 scholarships to be used for construction-focused education.
In addition to scholarships, ConstructMyFuture.com provides students, teachers, counselors and parents with information on the benefits of construction careers, education options and local business contacts who have volunteered to participate in workforce development activities.
The Web site is a joint effort of the Association Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF), Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
The three organizations represent thousands of equipment distributors, manufacturers and construction contractors, respectively. The construction industry faces shortages of skilled trades people and technicians, and the Web site is a major component of the associations’ efforts to attract students and workers and upgrade the overall image of the construction industry, according to representatives.
Students from Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas are winners of the 2006 edition of the ConstructMyFuture.com scholarships. This year’s recipients are:
• Michelle Mohon from Friendswood High School in Friendswood, TX, planning to study civil engineering at the University of Texas in Austin, TX.
• Donald Osborn from Conemaugh Valley High School in Johnstown, PA, planning to continue his education at Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, studying mobile equipment operations technology.
• Steven Swartz from Saline High School in Saline, MI, planning to work toward a welding and fabrication degree from Washtenaw Community College.
Students, Construction Professionals Eligible to Enter
The ConstructMyFuture.com scholarship program is open to students and construction industry professionals, with the funds to be used for higher-education tuition or the purchase of tools to improve worker productivity.
A scholarship committee of representatives from AEDF, AEM and AGC select the winners, with judging based on applicants’ essays, school transcripts and personal references. This year’s program has a record number of applicants.
“We’re gratified by the tremendous response to the program. Since its inception in 2001, the scholarship program has allowed talented individuals to focus on their skills and enthusiasm on construction careers, which will benefit them as well as the industry,” said AEDF Education Program Manager Pat Novak.
Spotlighting the Industry to Students, Parents, Teachers, Counselors
The ConstructMyFuture.com Web site outlines career options available in construction contracting, distribution and equipment manufacturing, with information that includes job descriptions, career path sequences, educational requirements and salary ranges.
The ConstructMyFuture.com section targeted to teachers includes a listing of industry companies who have volunteered their services to local students and schools. These companies offer field trips, informational speakers and materials, internships, career fairs, mentors, job shadowing, machine displays and demonstrations, among other options.
“Teachers and counselors are an important source of information for students and parents seeking information on career options, and we provide them with tools they can use to discuss construction as a rewarding career choice,” said AGC Director of Career Development Donna Franza.
A special feature is a database of more then 1,600 post-secondary education programs in construction trades and equipment technology, organized by state and with Web site links to the schools. The Web site also presents information on additional industry scholarship opportunities, apprenticeships and other career-building programs.
A “Cool Stuff” section displays the world’s most famous construction projects, describes the machines and history of construction, and offers a variety of other industry facts and figures. The Web site also provides links to industry organizations and resources as well as access to industry job boards.
“The Web site is a teen-friendly interactive site that showcases the technological advances and positive aspects of working in the industry, and offers convenient access to industry educational opportunities,” said AEM Marketing Director Nicole Hallada.
For more information, visit www.constructmyfuture.com.
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