BIAW recently announced 16 students and eight construction trades programs from all across Washington will split $60,000 in BIAW scholarships and grants.

“This year’s record-breaking commitment to career and technical education students and the programs that support them shows just how important the future workforce is to our industry,” said BIAW President Tracy Doriot, who also chairs the Cascadia Technical Academy board.

Jake Eko, a University of Washington student from Chehalis pursuing a career in Civil Engineering, received the highest score on his application and will receive $2,700 in scholarship funds.

• Max Acosta, Aberdeen Grays Harbor College Carpentry

• Cesar Bedolla-Hurtado, East Wenatchee Washington State University Civil Engineering

• Keanen Brewer, Yakima Perry Technical Institute Construction-Carpentry

• Anthony Calderon, Yakima Perry Technical Institute Commercial Construction

• Spencer Curtis, Yakima Perry Technical Institute Construction and Carpentry

• Sergio Gonzalez, Yakima Perry Technical Institute Electrical Certificate

• Andrew Hastings, Moses Lake Big Bend Community College Welding Technology

• Jonathan Hauff, Cathlamet Perry Technical Institute Electrical Technology

• Pedro Hernandez, Sunnyside Perry Technical Institute Construction

• Jose Herrera, Grandview Perry Technical Institute Electrical Technology Certification

• Glenn Paul, Ellensburg Perry Technical Institute HVAC-R

• Logan Vazquez, Aberdeen Grays Harbor College Carpentry

• Irvin Steven Vicente, Ocean Shores Grays Harbor College Carpentry

• Josephine Wallace, Bellingham Port Townsend School of Woodworking Peninsula College Construction Technology Program

• Greg Worley, Monroe Perry Technical Institute Welding Certification

Eight organizations received grants in varying amounts to support construction-related fields of study.

Career Connect Southwest received $1,000 to support its 2021 Teacher Externship in Construction Trades Program. Community Boat Project in Nordland received $1,000 for its Shelter from the Storm project.

LaConner High School Career and Technical Education project received $2,500 and Palmer Scholars in Tacoma received $3,000 for its Palmer Pathways project.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council Trades Training Initiative received $4,800.

• Darrington School District and Glacier Peak Institute Tiny House

• Kitsap Building Association Builders Learning Academy

• Perry Technical Institute Construction

Since its inception, BIAW has awarded over $670,000 in scholarships and grants to students who have demonstrated a passion and commitment to developing a career in the home building industry and the programs that educate them. Local associations have their own scholarships with some awarding more than $20,000 this year.

The Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board reports in Washington, every dollar spent on secondary CTE students leads to $26 in lifetime earnings and employee benefits.

According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, construction is one of the top 5 industries for “good jobs” that pay a median income of $55,000+ without a bachelor’s degree.