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BIAW awards over $58,000 in scholarships and grants to build future workforce

July 22, 2024

OLYMPIA… For the 2024-2025 school year, the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) proudly awarded a total of $58,250 in scholarships and grants to 25 students and eight construction trades programs across Washington.

“The homebuilding industry continues to experience labor shortages nationwide, further impacting housing affordability,” said BIAW President Jay Roberts. “We are proud to support these students and training programs who are stepping up to address our workforce shortage.”

2024 BIAW scholarship recipients

25 students received scholarships up to $1,500:

  • Brian Arreola, Perry Technical Institute, journey-level electrician
  • Conner Banta, Gonzaga University, mechanical engineering
  • Richard Beckman, University of Washington, mechanical engineering
  • Jamie Bekel, University of Washington, architectural design
  • Damien Cavazos, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Luis Ceballos, Perry Technical Institute, plumbing
  • Alan Chavez, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Tim Colby, University of Washington-Tacoma, civil engineering
  • Saul De La Cruz, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Santos Espinosa Arteaga, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Miguel Hernandez, Perry Technical Institute, post secondary
  • Brooklynn Hoffman, Lower Columbia Community College, welding
  • Gregory Killian, Seattle University, civil engineering
  • Abel Macias, Perry Technical Institute, plumbing technology
  • Jesus Mendoza, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Christian Montelongo, Perry Technical Institue, electrical technology
  • Laura Muntean, University of Washington, civil engineering
  • Ervin Osorio, Perry Technical Institute, plumbing
  • Justino Peral, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Darien Peters, Perry Technical Institute, plumbing
  • Jose Romero, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology
  • Noah Rozema, Gonzaga University, mechanical engineering
  • Moises Santos Reyes, Perry Technical Institute, plumbing
  • Bryan Sheedy, Washington State University, construction management
  • Michael Zaharias, Perry Technical Institute, electrical technology

2024 BIAW grant recipients

Along with the scholarships, BIAW awarded eight local organizations with grants, in varying amounts, to support construction-related fields of study.

  • Kitsap Building Association, Bremerton – $5,000 for its Builder Grant Program
  • Coupeville School District, Coupeville – $1,000 for its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program
  • Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield- $2,500 for its Construction Program
  • Perry Technical Institute, Yakima – $3,000 for its Construction & Carpentry Technology Program
  • Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee- $5,000 for its CTE Program
  • Building Beyond the Walls, Bonney Lake – $2,500 for its hands-on construction training
  • Community Boat Project – $3,000 for its Shelter from the Storm Program
  • Economic Development Council of San Juan County, Friday Harbor – $3,250 for its Trades Training Initiative

Washington Home Builders Foundation

The Washington Home Builders Foundation (WHBF) was founded in 2012 by BIAW as a way to address educational and workforce needs within the building industry through charitable activities.

The purpose of the Washington Home Builders Foundation is to empower and inspire the next generation of builders by advancing building-related education, unlocking academic opportunities and career possibilities while fostering a culture of innovation, enthusiasm and excellence in the building industry. Since its inception, the Washington Home Builders Foundation and BIAW have awarded over $880,000 in scholarships and grants.

The Washington Home Builders Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization as classified by the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations may be eligible for charitable contribution tax deductions. Donate today.

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The Building Industry Association of Washington is the voice of the housing industry as the state’s largest trade association with over 8,000 member companies responsible for roughly 188,000 jobs.  The association is dedicated to ensuring and enhancing the vitality of the building industry for the benefit of its members and the housing needs of Washington.  Learn more at:  www.biaw.com

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