TL;DR Summary
C.D. Smith Construction announces the 2026 Skilled Trades Construction Grant and Construction Management Grant, offering up to $1,000 to students pursuing careers in construction. Applications are open through March 27, 2026.
2026 Construction Grants
Careers in construction are built on skill, responsibility and leadership — whether that path begins in the field or in project management. Supporting those career paths starts early, through education partnerships and direct investment in students who want to build their future in the construction industry.
In partnership with the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, two grant opportunities are available for 2026:
- Skilled Trades Construction Grant for high school seniors entering the trades
- Construction Management Grant for students pursuing construction management degrees
Both grants are designed to reduce financial barriers, reinforce career readiness and support the next generation of construction professionals.
2026 Skilled Trades Construction Grant
Apply for the 2026 Skilled Trades Construction Grant →
The Skilled Trades Construction Grant supports high school seniors who plan to begin a skilled trades career in the construction industry immediately following graduation.
- Award: Up to $1,000
- Eligibility: Active high school seniors, age 18 by July 31, 2026, pursuing a skilled trades career after graduation
- Eligible Expenses:
- Hand tools
- Work boots
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety gloves
- Toolbelts and tool storage
- Application Deadline: March 27, 2026
- Winners Announced: April 17, 2026
Grant applications are reviewed and scored by the School Partnership Committee on a blind basis after identifying information is removed. Each grant is awarded once and all decisions are final.
2026 Construction Management Grant
Apply for the 2026 Construction Management Grant →
The Construction Management Grant supports students pursuing degrees in construction management who are preparing for leadership roles overseeing schedules, budgets, safety and coordination on complex projects.
- Award: Up to $1,000 for college-related expenses
- Eligibility: Current full-time students enrolled in a degree-seeking technical or undergraduate program with at least one full semester remaining before graduation, or students accepted and beginning studies within six months
- Application Deadline: March 27, 2026
- Winners Announced: April 17, 2026
Applications are reviewed and scored on work experience and major (75%), along with volunteer or extracurricular involvement (25%). Students without work experience are evaluated on academic background and demonstrated interest in construction management.
Why These Grants Matter
These grants support workforce development by helping students move from classrooms to job sites and into long-term construction careers. Early investment strengthens the skilled trades pipeline and helps develop future construction leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Two construction-focused grants are available for 2026
- Each grant awards up to $1,000
- Applications close March 27, 2026
- Grant recipients are announced April 17, 2026
- Applications are reviewed blindly to ensure fairness
Date: Jan 27, 2026 | Author: Connie Coon
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FAQ
Can students apply for both grants?
No. Each grant serves a different career path and eligibility group.
Are the grants renewable?
No. Each grant is a one-time award.
Does applying require prior construction experience?
Experience is considered, but students without work experience are evaluated on academic background, career interest and demonstrated motivation.
Related Topics and Reading
- C.D. Smith K–12 School Partnerships for Construction & Skilled Trade Career Pathways
- Building Careers: 2025 Skilled Trades & Construction Management Grants (Winners)
- Building Careers: Youth Apprenticeships (Meet McKenna)
- Project Management Career Development
- Skilled Trade Career Paths & Apprenticeships
- C.D. Smith Careers
