News Release: Building Industry Association invests a record-breaking $60,000 in its future workforce
July 8, 2021
The Building Industry Association of Washington today 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 chairs the Cascadia Technical Academy board.
“We’ve continued to grow our scholarship fund to encourage students to follow our path in the residential home-building industry,” he said. “We know firsthand the satisfaction and success that comes from building the places people call home.”
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.
The following students received $2,000 each:
- Andrew Hastings, Moses Lake, Big Bend Community College, Welding Technology A.A.S Degree
- Anthony Calderon, Yakima, Perry Technical Institute, Commercial Construction
- Cesar Bedolla-Hurtado, East Wenatchee, Washington State University, Civil Engineering
- Glenn Paul, Ellensburg, Perry Technical Institute, HVAC-R
- Greg Worley, Monroe, Perry Technical Institute, Welding Certification
- Irvin Steven Vicente, Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor College, Carpentry
- Jonathan Hauff, Cathlamet, Perry Technical Institute, Electrical Technology
- Jose Herrera, Grandview, Perry Technical Institute, Electrical Technology Certification
- Josephine Wallace, Bellingham, Port Townsend School of Woodworking, Peninsula College Construction Technology Program
- Keanen Brewer, Yakima, Perry Technical Institute, Construction-Carpentry
- Logan Vazquez, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor College, Technical Degree in Carpentry
- Max Acosta, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor College, Carpentry Technology
- Pedro Hernandez, Sunnyside, Perry Technical Institute, Construction
- Sergio Gonzalez, Yakima, Perry Technical Institute, Electrical Certificate
- Spencer Curtis, Yakima, Perry Technical Institute, Construction and Carpentry Technology
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 got $1,000 for its Shelter from the Storm project.
LaConner High School’s 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’s Trades Training Initiative received $4,800.
Three projects received $5,000, including:
- Darrington School District and Glacier Peak Institute Tiny House
- Kitsap Building Association’s 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.
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.