Building the Future with Grants for Skilled Trades and Construction Management

In partnership with Fond du Lac Area Foundation, C.D. Smith is offering two grants for students pursuing careers in construction: The Skilled Trades Construction Grant and the Construction Management Grant.

👷‍♂️👷‍♀️ The Skilled Trades Construction Grant is available for high school seniors interested in starting their careers in the skilled trades. The grant offers up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses such as hand tools, work boots, high-visibility clothing, safety gear, and tool belts—the essentials required to hit the ground running.

👨‍🎓👩‍🎓 The Construction Management Grant also offers up to $1,000 in support of students pursuing technical or undergraduate programs for degrees in construction management. Whether you're just starting out or only a semester away from graduation, this grant can help pay for the upcoming academic year.

WHY CONSTRUCTION? Construction is a booming industry, and skilled trades and construction management professionals are in high demand. This is a chance for today's youth to become part of something bigger, build communities, and shape the future.

MORE THAN MONEY: These grants aim to foster a passion for rewarding construction career paths and connect students with the resources they need to succeed. By providing awareness, mentorship, education, and inspiration, we are investing in the next generation.

READY TO BUILD YOUR FUTURE? Both applications are open now! Here's what you need to know about eligibility and how to apply:

Skilled Trades Construction Grant | Link to Grant Application: The Skilled Trades Construction Grant is open to high school seniors. The application deadline is March 28th. The winners will be announced on April 18th.

Construction Management Grant | Link to Grant Application: The Construction Management Grant is open to current full-time students who are enrolled in a degree-seeking technical or undergraduate program and have at least one full semester remaining before graduation, or have been accepted and are ready to begin higher education studies within six months. The application deadline is March 28th, and the winners will be announced on April 18th.

We believe that investing in construction and our youth benefits everyone. Businesses, schools, and the community all play a role in encouraging and supporting young people interested in construction careers. Together, let's build a future that is as strong and vibrant as the thriving communities we create. Good luck to all applicants!

Date: Feb 12, 2025 | Author: Connie Coon

«•»

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

«•»

IN THE NEWS & Beneath the Hard Hat^®

Building the Future: C.D. Smith Week Inspires the Next Generation of Construction Professionals | Beneath the Hard Hat^® 02.2025

The future of construction is about more than the built environment - it's about the hearts, hands, and minds that turn visions into reality.

C.D. Smith Week at Fond du Lac High School's Architecture • Construction • Engineering (ACE) Academy is an investment in today’s youth to create tomorrow’s projects.

CD Smith Construction Senior Project Manager Joe Van Handel speaking to Fond du Lac ACE Academy High School students in Wisconsin classroom

This year’s program was a resounding success, exemplifying our core mission: inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.

👷‍♂️👷‍♀️ Throughout the week, ACE Academy students engaged with 14 industry leaders who shared their expertise and real-world experiences. These weren’t just lectures—they were immersive sessions where students learned how construction transforms communities and impacts lives. This type of firsthand exposure lays the foundation for lifelong construction careers.

CD Smith Construction Project Manager William Theisen speaking to Fond du Lac ACE Academy High School students in Wisconsin classroom

🛠️ TOOLS FOR SUCCESS: To further support students, C.D. Smith donated professional-grade tools like grinders, drills, miter saws, circular saws, and hammer drills. These contributions ensure students gain practical experience with the equipment they’ll use in their future careers.

TAKING ACTION: How do we ensure enough talent to build the future? ACE Academy introduces students to 16 different skilled trades, thanks to the support of incredible program partners. Here's what we're doing to help:

📚 Classroom Connections: We partner with schools like the ACE Academy, providing hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to the diverse world of construction trades and management.

CD Smith Construction Project Manager Devin Boris speaking to Fond du Lac ACE Academy High School students in Wisconsin classroom

🤝 Apprenticeship Guidance: Our mentorship programs pair experienced professionals with young apprentices, offering guidance and practical skills.

💵 Construction Grants: We're excited to announce TWO GRANTS! The Skilled Trades Construction Grant helps high school seniors kickstart their careers with essential tools and gear. The Construction Management Grant supports students pursuing technical or undergraduate degrees in construction management. Both offer up to $1,000, and applications are open NOW!

INSPIRING CAREERS THAT BUILD STRONG 💪 COMMUNITIES:

This dedication to the next generation of builders is at the heart of our mission to raise awareness of construction opportunities. Careers in this industry offer incredible possibilities.

It's about more than money. Investing in our youth benefits everyone—it’s a collective effort involving businesses, schools, and communities working together to encourage and support young people interested in construction careers.

Become part of building the future! Visit the link below to learn more about our 2025 Construction Grants, and encourage young people to explore the exciting world of skilled trades and construction management.

2025 Skilled Trades and Construction Management Grants: https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/building-careers-2025-skilled-trades-construction-management-grants

#construction #education #skilledtrades #projectmanagement #constructionmanagement #apprenticeship #careers #constructionlife #Wisconsin

Future Builders Dive into Skilled Trades with Masonry Construction Mentorship at Bricklayer 500 | Beneath the Hard Hat^® 02.2024

The future of construction isn't just bricks and mortar; it's the passionate hands that lay them. Take a look at this unearthed video from last year's Bricklayer 500. More than just competition, it showcases our core mission: inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

👷‍♂️👷‍♀️ Fond du Lac High School's Architecture • Construction • Engineering (ACE) Academy students were in attendance at the event. They weren't just cheering on the pros; they were actively learning, laying the foundation for their own rewarding careers in construction. This is the power of hands-on experiences for actively building the future.

THRIVING COMMUNITIES, BOOMING DEMAND AND FULFILLING WORK: This dedication to the next generation of builders is at the heart of a mission to bring awareness to opportunities in our industry. Construction careers offer incredible possibilities.

Visit the link below to learn more about our 2024 Construction Grants, and encourage young people to explore the exciting world of skilled trades and construction management.

2024 Skilled Trades and Construction Management Grants: https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/building-careers-2024-skilled-trades-construction-management-grants

2023 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 AND THE FUTURE OF MASONRY CONSTRUCTION: https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/2023-spec-mix-bricklayer-500-regional-series-masonry-construction

#construction #education #skilledtrades #projectmanagement #constructionmanagement #apprenticeship #careers #constructionlife #Wisconsin

Advanced Construction High School Student Receives Scholarship for Construction Management Pursuit | Washington County Insider 01.21.2024

Kiel Students Learn About Construction Skilled Trades at Concrete Pour | Beneath the Hard Hat^® 12.27.2023