Scholarships
For more than three decades, the NPCA Foundation has provided scholarships to students studying in fields related to building, construction or precast concrete. Precast concrete-related careers include professional positions in manufacturing facilities, architectural firms, the specifying community, engineering firms and the general construction industry.
Applications are open to students at four-year universities, community colleges, technical education institutions and certificate programs.
Undergraduate scholarships
Who can apply: Applications are open to anyone who will be enrolled in a certificate or undergraduate program at an academic institution for the next academic year. The applicant’s course of study should be in a field related to the building, construction or precast concrete industry.
How it works: A scholarship award starts at $3,500 and increases each year the student completes a qualifying internship of 320 hours or more with an NPCA member company:
- First year: $3,500
- After first internship: $4,500
- After second internship: $5,500
- After third internship: $6,500
How to find an NPCA member sponsor: All internships must be completed with an NPCA member company. Use the Find a Precaster tool to search for members in your area, or email foundation@precast.org for help finding a placement.
Note: The award is monetary only. International applicants must have all logistics, such as a visa, in place prior to applying.
Daneen S. Barbour graduate scholarships
Who can apply: For students with an undergraduate degree who will be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program. This scholarship was established in memory of Daneen S. Barbour of Barbour Concrete Company and 1994 recipient of NPCA’s prestigious Robert E. Yoakum Award.
What our scholars are saying
“I’ve been able to save my money and pay for most of college, but most of that money has run out. It’s nice to have a little extra boost to keep me going.”—Michael Hess, University of Wisconsin-Madison
“I am really grateful and excited to participate in this program for the next few years. This scholarship is a great opportunity with a variety of resources to help me succeed in my future career path.”
—Olivia Higgens, University of Texas
“I feel extremely grateful to be among the nine recipients to receive this scholarship. I can’t wait to utilize the resources that come with this scholarship to help contribute to my future.”
— Alfredo Ortiz, University of Michigan
“I feel extremely lucky and honored to receive this opportunity with the NPCA Foundation. NPCA has a strong community, and it seems like there’s a lot of networking to help my future in the industry.”
— Jacob Steinhoff, South Dakota State
ASCE Concrete Canoe scholarships
The NPCA Foundation sponsors the American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe National Competition and disburses NPCA scholarships teams can use to offset construction and travel costs.
Who can enter: Any ASCE concrete canoe participant from an accredited school with a two- or four-year engineering or construction-related degree program entering the ASCE Concrete Canoe Regional or National Competition is eligible to apply for the NPCA Concrete Canoe Scholarship. The funds can be used for any expenses related to concrete canoe construction and competition travel.
How it works: Earn money for your team. NPCA will award up to eight $1,000 scholarships each academic year. The application period opens each fall.
How to get involved: NPCA members are encouraged to connect with local students and professors to establish themselves as partners, providing materials and expertise. It’s a great way to build an ongoing relationship with engineering schools and future specifiers by sharing information about precast, teaching skills or hosting students for a plant tour. Contact the Foundation for more information.
Mentoring program
All Foundation undergraduate and graduate scholarship recipients have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor from an NPCA member company. Mentors and scholars are matched based on shared interests and career direction. The program is built around three pillars:
- Embrace: Welcoming new people into the industry
- Engage: Connecting them with people and opportunities in precast.
- Empower: Developing them into the industry’s next leaders.
“Getting to connect with my mentor and form a better relationship going into my internship.”
— NPCA Foundation scholar