News Release: BIAW’s building the future workforce, investing $70,000 in 21 students and seven trades organizations
August 8, 2022
OLYMPIA…The Building Industry Association of Washington is building the future workforce by providing $70,000 in BIAW scholarships and grants to 21 students and seven construction trades programs across Washington.
“Building and investing in our future workforce is critical,” said BIAW President Joseph Irons. “I’m proud of the students and programs who won this year’s BIAW scholarships and grants. They are the future of our industry.”
Building the future workforce
Three students received the highest scholarship amount of $3,500 each.
- Maleaha Smith, Ellensburg, Central Washington University, Construction Management;
- James Bacon, Spokane, Eastern Washington University, Construction Management; and
- Melanie Byrne, Sequim, Peninsula College, Welding.
The 18 remaining students received scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $500. They are:
- Cesar Bedolla-Hurtado, East Wenatchee, Washington State University, Civil Engineering
- Donovan Bishop, Elma, University of Washington, Electrical Engineering
- Laura Muntean, Vancouver, University of Washington, Civil Engineering
- Joseph Larez, Harrah, Perry Technical Institute, HVAC
- Caleb Davis, Washougal, Big Bend Community College, Architecture
- Ryan Cole, Hoquiam, Washington State University, Mechanical Engineering
- Jamie Bekel, Chelan, University of Washington, Architectural Design
- Sierra Rothlisberger, Chelan, Washington State University, Interior Design & Construction Management
- Fransisco Landa, Yakima, Perry Technical Institute, HVAC/R
- Quinn Campbell, Bellingham, Bellingham Technical College, Associates in Applied Science
- Jake Eko, Chehalis, University of Washington, Civil Engineering
- Emelia Boilek, Oak Harbor, Western Washington University, Interior Design/Project Management
- Zachary Ruwaldt, Longview, University of Idaho, Electrical Engineering
- Autumn West, Leavenworth, Washington State University, Construction Management
- Nathan Comer, McCleary, Southwest Washington Electrical J.A.T.C., Electrician
- Logan Kinloch, Yakima, Seattle Pacific University, Business – Construction Management
- Ken Yi Jr., South Bend Perry Technical Institute, Electrical Technology
- Lucas Meissner, Issaquah, Whitworth University, Chemical or Electrical Engineering
Investing in our future
Along with the scholarships, BIAW awarded seven local organizations with grants, in varying amounts, to support construction-related fields of study.
- La Conner School District in LaConner, Wash. won $5,000 for its second-year CTE residential construction course.
- Darrington High School in Darrington, Wash. won $5,000 for its Tiny Home project for Building Trades students.
- Community Boat Project in Port Hadlock, Wash. won $5,000 for a three-month paid internship program.
- Kitsap Building Association in Bremerton, won $8,000 for its Builder Grant Program.
- Harney Elementary in Vancouver, Wash. won $1,000 to build a Mindfulness Outdoor Space with students.
- Cascadia Technical Academy in Vancouver, Wash. won $5,000 for its Construction Technology Program to purchase a timber mill.
- Chimacum High School in Chimacum, Wash. won $5,000 to help expand its CTE offerings to include a Residential Carpentry/Carpenter class.
Since its inception, BIAW has awarded nearly $750,000 in scholarships and grants to students and organizations who have demonstrated a passion and commitment to developing a career in the home building industry and the programs that educate them.
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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 nearly 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