The Associated General Contractors of Missouri has awarded $62,000 in scholarships to 32 students from across the Midwest. These awards mark the largest amount in the association’s history, topping the record-breaking $58,000 awarded to 28 students in 2020.
“Workforce development is at the top of our strategic priorities,” said Leonard Toenjes, CAE, president of the AGC of Missouri. “Scholarships are offered to students pursuing advanced studies in construction, engineering, architecture, science, technology and apprenticeships in the construction trades. In the past four years we’ve doubled the number of university student chapters we support and also have opened new training sites on university campuses throughout the state.”
AGCMO has added student chapters at State Fair Community College in Sedalia; Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau; and the University of Missouri-Columbia. They joined existing student chapters at Missouri S&T in Rolla; State Technical College of Missouri in Linn; and Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. AGCMO also has established a veterans’ partnership with the Wake Foundation and a new training site at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff. In June 2020, AGCMO dedicated a new AGCMO Crane Training Center at State Technical College of Missouri in Linn. AGCMO also provides programming support and advice on industry needs to an AGC of America student chapter located at Missouri State University in Springfield.
In April 2019, AGCMO opened the STL Construction Career Center within the City of St. Louis and named Sergio Munoz as outreach manager. In addition to community outreach, Munoz assists individuals through the process of entering training programs and helps candidates prepare to fulfill admission requirements for various apprenticeship training programs.
“I believe our message is finally beginning to break through that there are excellent-paying jobs with plenty of room for advancement in the construction industry,” added Toenjes. “People are realizing that every aspect of the construction industry requires a high level of skill and knowledge, and is very forward-looking in terms of innovation and technology. If students really want to be in an industry with great demand where they can help reshape the infrastructure and landscape of our country, then construction is where they should land. Our industry is taking off and the future is bright. Our Education Foundation and members have offered tremendous support for this important initiative.”
Students receiving $3,500 scholarships, supported by AGCMO’s Young Executives Club (YEC) and Construction Leadership Council (CLC) include:
Garrett Jackson, St. Joseph, MO 64507. Oliver J. Coulson Memorial CLC Scholarship, Missouri Western State University, construction engineering technology
Huzefa Juzer Jawadwala, St. Louis, MO 63112. Aaron Loehr Memorial YEC Scholarship, Washington University, Masters, architecture & construction management
Individuals awarded $2,500 scholarships, also supported by YEC and CLC, include:
Jarod Aholt, Columbia, MO 65202. AGCMO Education Foundation YEC Award Scholarship, Drury University, architecture
James Schueler, St. Louis, MO 63129. AGCMO Education Foundation CLC Award Scholarship, Missouri S & T, civil/architectural dual major
Students awarded $2,000 scholarships, supported by the AGCM Education Foundation, include:
Riley Bingham. Vinita, OK 74301. Pittsburg State, construction management
Phillip Brucks. Macon, MO 63552. University of Missouri-Columbia, mechanical engineering
Javin Cobb. Crocker, MO 65452. State Technical College, civil engineering
Caleb Craft. Jackson, MO 63755. Missouri S & T, mechanical engineering
Austin Droege. Concordia, MO 64020. State Fair Community College, civil engineering
Christopher Earney. Lohman, MO 65053, Missouri S & T, mechanical engineering
Ryan Geisz. Chesterfield, MO 63017. Missouri State, construction management
Blake Hennemann. Perryville, MO 63775. Missouri S & T, civil/architectural engineering
Cabriah Hillman. Raymore, MO 64083. Missouri State, construction management
Allison Hopper. Chestnutridge, MO 65630. Drury University, architecture.
Mikala Liley. Jackson, MO 63755. University of Kansas, architecture
Katie Nelson. Joplin, MO 64804. Drury University, architecture
Lily Quitno. Nevada, MO 64772. Missouri State, construction management
Easton Roth. Minneapolis, KS 67467. Pittsburg State University, construction management
Trevor Sallee. Guthrie, OK 73044. Pittsburg State University, construction management
Jonathan Schwartz. Freeburg, MO 65035, Missouri S & T, engineering
Emily Shepherd. Liberty, MO 64068. Kansas State University, architectural engineering
Tyson Stites. McPherson, KS 67460. Pittsburg State University, construction management
Ryan Sweeney. Kirkwood, MO 63122, Missouri State University, construction management
Cole Weber. Washington, MO 63090. University of Central Missouri, construction project management
Jordan Weiler. St. Genevieve, MO 63670. Ranken Technical College, automation/welding certification.
Kyle Wesolowski. Alton, IL 62002. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, construction management
Students awarded $1,000 scholarships by the AGCMO Education Foundation are:
Sheena Jones. St. Louis, MO 63107. Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship, sheet metal apprenticeship
Lane Libbert. Meta, MO 65058. State Technical College, electrical distribution systems
Kullen McElhaney. Atlanta, MO 63530. State Technical College, civil construction technology.
Austin Redhage. Beaufort, MO 63013. State Technical College, HVAC
Macy Schweigert. St. Genevieve, MO 63670. University of Missouri-Columbia, business administration with minor in construction management.
Carvon Ward. St. Louis, MO 63136. Ranken Technical College, carpentry and construction
The Associated General Contractors of Missouri is the leading voice of the construction industry in Missouri, representing over 500 commercial, industrial, heavy and highway contractors, industry partners and related firms in 110 counties throughout Missouri. In 2020, Missouri’s chapter was named AGC of America Large Chapter of the Year.
Photos of the scholarship winners can be accessed at: http://www.agcmo.org/WCM/Hidden_Links_and_Documents/ScholarshipRecipients2021.aspx