As a founding member of Project Build MN, ABC of MN/ND has been a strong supporter of the movement to educate young people about the many career pathways available to them as part of the construction industry. This movement has largely focused on careers in the trades, an area that has seen a dramatic drop in numbers over the last few decades, but it is not the only category of employment in construction that needs attention. Our industry also needs more project managers, architects, safety professionals and more along with the tradespeople. Those positions often require two or four-year degrees which creates another barrier along with college tuition rates that continue to rise.
In an effort to assist ABC member employees and direct family members of those employees in attaining the degrees they need to succeed in the construction industry, ABC of MN/ND and the Construction Education Foundation (CEF) of MN created the Merit Shop Scholarship program. Funded by ABC members for ABC members, this program has provided tuition assistance to individuals working towards a degree in a construction related field for over 15 years. In 2021, the Merit Shop Scholarship program awarded five scholarships to qualifying individuals totaling $7,500. The fields of study included construction management, project management, electrical engineering, carpentry, and heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
In 2022, the scholarship program is stronger than ever. With generous contributions from ABC members, more sponsors are participating this year than ever before giving member employees, family, and military veterans more opportunities to start their construction careers on the right foot. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit http://www.mnabc.com/Education-Training/Scholarships To become a sponsor, contact Tom Kennedy. Special thanks to The Builders Group, Lunseth Plumbing and Heating, Protouch Painting, Willmar Electric Service, Subsurface Inc., and Champion Plumbing for their support of the Merit Shop Scholarship Program.