Draft an Application to These Construction Industry Scholarships

As urban landscapes transform and new technology is developed to improve infrastructure, the construction industry is rapidly growing. Within the next 20 years, employment of construction managers is projected to grow 16 percent and employment of construction laborers is projected to grow 25 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction doesn't just mean the roadside workers dressed in orange. In fact, the construction industry abounds with jobs. These include opportunities for construction equipment operators, hazardous materials removal workers, roofers, structural iron and steel workers and building inspectors, many of which require postsecondary education of some kind.

In addition to a positive job outlook, students may find that the hands-on work and visible impact on their community makes for a satisfying career in construction. If you're interested in building your future in a construction-related industry, check out these scholarships that can help fund your way.

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Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in civil engineering, architectural and construction-related majors are eligible to apply for scholarships from the National Precast Concrete Association Education Foundation, which aims "to introduce the features and benefits of precast concrete products and create a more educated specifying community."

To apply, include a copy of your high school or college transcripts, a letter of recommendation from a high school or college faculty member and a letter of sponsorship from a National Precast Concrete Association member. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 2, 2015.

Women hoping to enter the construction industry have a scholarship designed just for them. The National Association of Women in Construction awards more than $25,000 to recipients in construction-related programs each year.

Applicants must be enrolled in a construction-related degree program at a school in the U.S., hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue a career in a construction-related field. Awards range from $500 to $2,500.

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The application includes several components, such as a statement of financial need and employment history, and it must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2015 to be eligible. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity for women in a typically male-dominated field.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association offers two scholarships to help the next generation. The Barry K. Wendt Memorial Scholarship offers $2,500 scholarships for students who have completed at least one year of college course work and are enrolled in a mining-related degree program.

The Jennifer Curtis Byler Scholarship features a $5,000 scholarship for a child of an aggregate industry employee who plans to study public policy, government affairs or a related field. Both scholarships require an application and a letter of recommendation.

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If you're related to someone working in the construction industry, you might qualify for a scholarship or grant from the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Foundation. The foundation provides grants and scholarships for employees and family members who intend on entering or continuing their education in the industry.

Awards may be up to $3,000 each. To find out if your family member's company is a member of the foundation, try their online search tool.

Don't miss these rewarding opportunities if you are pursuing higher education to build a career in the construction industry.

Sarah Ober interned at Scholarship America in 2014. She attends the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., where she majors in communication and minors in psychology. She is a current scholarship recipient.