AWC SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications are NOW OPEN! Please see below for the three different AWC Scholarship types.
All applications are due by April 30, 2024.

Apprentice Scholarship

Females currently working as a registered apprentice in 2024 or will be starting as an apprentice in 2024 with letter from the union.

Applicants must be a current Minnesota resident.

Academic Trades Diploma Scholarship

Female students pursuing a construction trades education through a 2-year associate program or a 1-year certificate program at an accredited community or technical college during the 2024-2025 school year.

Applicants must be a resident of Minnesota or attending postsecondary education physically in Minnesota.

Academic Bachelor's Degree Scholarship

Female students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field of study at an accredited college or university during the 2024-2025 school year.

Applicants must be a resident of Minnesota or attending postsecondary education physically in Minnesota.

About AWC Scholarships

At the Association of Women Contractors, we believe that our future women business owners often begin their careers as project managers, engineers, tradeswomen and more. With the mission to drive equity in the construction industry, each year we offer financial support in the form of scholarships to female students and apprentices who are pursuing careers in the construction industry.

Through these scholarships, we aim to assist recipients in affording their education, connecting with members and developing a strong support system. AWC provides three types of scholarships for outstanding FEMALES:

  • Apprentice
  • Academic – Trades Diploma
  • Academic – Bachelor’s Degree

Details on scholarship criteria can be found below, and eligible applicants can click above to apply online.

Scholarship Details

Application Procedure

Applications must be received online by April 30, 2024.

All eligible applications are reviewed by a scholarship committee.

Notification of Applicants

All applicants will be notified by May 20, 2024 of their application status. Not all applicants will be selected as recipients.

The award is not renewable; however, you may reapply to the program as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Location Qualifications

The applicant MUST be a Minnesota resident or attending postsecondary school in Minnesota.

If you do not meet the location qualifications, your application will NOT be considered.

FUNdraiser Golf Event

All recipients are encouraged to attend the award ceremony and assist during our golf fundraising event.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Majestic Oaks Golf Course in Blaine, MN.

Selection Process & Awards

The authorized distribution for new awards is determined annually based on the amount of funds raised.

Recipients will be selected based on a number of factors: work experience, activities, goals, GPA, and financial need.

Application Recommendations

All eligible applications are reviewed by a scholarship committee. They only know what information you give them.

We recommend that you answer each question on the application as thoroughly as you can!

Program Revisions

The Association of Women Contractors reserves the right to review the conditions and the procedures of this scholarship program and to make changes at any time, including termination of the program.

Questions

Feel free to contact our Executive Director, Barb Lau, with inquiries and questions at awcmn@awcmn.org or call 651-489-2221

Award Payment: Apprentice

The Apprenticeship Scholarship recipients will receive 50% of their scholarship at our Scholarship Golf FUNdraiser Event on June 14, 2024 or via mail. The remaining 50% will be sent to the recipient by December 31, 2024, provided the recipient remains in the apprentice program.

Award Payment: Academic

The Academic Scholarship check will be payable to the recipient’s school in one installment prior to August 20, 2024. Recipients are required to notify AWC of any changes in address, school enrollment, or other relevant information.

What Scholarship Recipients Say​

I’m so grateful to AWC for all they’ve done for me because without their scholarship and support I would not have been able to achieve my goal of finishing school in time.

– Amy Benson
Graduate Engineer WSB & Associates

I’m grateful to the AWC for this scholarship because I am older than the normal apprentice, but the AWC helped me through my first year and gave me confidence to excel in this industry.

– Nicole O’Conner
Electrical Apprentice

The AWC scholarship program is one of the greatest things that happened to me while attending college. I’m truly blessed to have them in my life.

– Natalie Bruski-Pena-Marrero
Facility Maintenance Engineering Student

Receiving this scholarship has provided me the necessary funds to take the next step in my education and to fulfil my dream of studying abroad in a top institution.

– Celina Nelson
Architecture Student

The support AWC provided me through scholarships was priceless and I’m very grateful for the impact, support and networking they have provided me on my educational and career journey.

– Mindy Heinke
Construction Management

The AWC scholarship goes way beyond the tuition money and gives me a sense of validation and pride that these women believe in me and my career goals and are invested in my future.

– Amanda Gardas
Pipe Fitter Apprentice

This scholarship will make a huge difference in my life and will give me the opportunity to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about getting more hours at work in order to afford tuition.

– Kalley Bardson
Construction Management

It is an amazing feeling to have the support and acknowledgement of women in positions you aspire to be in one day. It is my honor to be acknowledged by the AWC and to have their support.

– Amber Dwyer
Electrical Technician Apprentice

I was honored to be chosen as a recipient of the AWC Scholarship. Without it, I might not have been able to continue my education and work towards my second degree in architecture.

– Devyn Smoter
Architecture Student

2023 Academic Recipients

Olivia Barkeim

Carpentry/HVAC | St. Cloud Technical College

Riley Cardinal

Heavy Equipment Operation | Central Lakes Community College

Sirah Diaby

Construction Management | Dunwoody College

Kristina Isham

Integrated Residential Builder | Leech Lake Tribal College

Sabrina Krause

Construction Management | Dunwoody College

Paige Lolwing

Architecture | University of Minnesota

Amber Youngblom

Plumbing | Ridgewater College

2023 Apprentice Recipients

Hayley Shellum

Electrician | Local 110

Isabelle Schultz

Heavy Equipment Operator | Local 49

Morgen Larsen

Carpenter | Local 68

Ruth Miller

Millwright | Local 548

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