N.J. Construction Industry Awards $1.5M in Student Scholarships

The New Jersey construction industry has awarded nearly $1.5 million in scholarships to 431 students, signaling a strong commitment to workforce development and educational access for future industry leaders.

“Every year, we are inspired by the students who continue to thrive while balancing the demands of academics, extracurricular activities, and the pressure of college applications,” said Jack Kocsis, CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey. “ACCNJ is pleased to be able to help them continue their education and we hope they will remember this as they excel in their future careers.”

Since 2014, the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) has provided $820,000 in scholarships to 75 students through various association programs. This year, ACCNJ distributed six scholarships totaling $75,000, along with a $5,000 Floor Covering Institute of New Jersey (FCINJ) Legacy Scholarship. FCINJ merged with ACCNJ in 2021, expanding its reach and impact.

Students across New Jersey and beyond shared stories of how the funding has shaped their futures. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to go to school because it wasn’t cheap, but thanks to the ACCNJ Foundation Scholarship, I was able to go to school for my first year,” said Alexis Pope, a 2020 James F. Parry Memorial Scholarship recipient. “I am grateful for the ACCNJ scholarship that granted me the opportunity to go to school during my freshman year, which changed the trajectory of my college career.”

Scholarships by Organization

Funding was provided by both trade associations and labor unions representing the companies that employ union craftworkers. Each organization used its own selection criteria. Highlights from the 2025 awards include:

• ACCNJ: 6 scholarships – $75,000
• FCINJ Legacy Scholarship: 1 scholarship – $5,000
• Jack Daly/Les Hynes Memorial Scholarship (NJ Steel Association): 13 scholarships – $50,000
• Construction Industry Advancement Program (CIAP): 8 scholarships – $12,000 and 58 internship scholarships totaling $173,250
• Drywall & Interior Systems Contractors Association of NJ (DISCA): 5 scholarships – $100,000
• Mechanical Contractors Association of NJ: 25 scholarships – $39,000
• New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association (NJAPA): 20 scholarships – $20,000
• Construction Roundtable of NJ: 8 scholarships – $48,500
• Utility & Transportation Contractors Association of NJ (UTCA): 6 scholarships – $41,000
• Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Locals 4 & 5: 17 scholarships – $62,500
• Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC): 114 scholarships – $108,250
• Dockbuilders Local Union 474: 33 scholarships – $106,392
• Dockbuilders Local Union 1556: 1 scholarship – $10,000
• Iron Workers Local 399: 7 scholarships – $21,000
• Laborers International Union of North America (NJ): 6 scholarships – $120,000
• Laborers Local 172 SET & Local 472 SET: 4 scholarships – $80,000
• Operating Engineers Local 825: 10 scholarships – $100,000
• Local 7 Tile, Marble and Terrazzo of NY & NJ: 53 scholarships – $106,000

Investing in the Pipeline of Talent

Industry leaders say the scholarships reflect a broader strategy to attract young talent, support trades education, and sustain New Jersey’s construction workforce. The awards also help remove financial barriers that often limit students’ career options.

With hundreds of students benefiting and millions invested over the past decade, New Jersey’s construction industry continues to champion education, create opportunity, and strengthen the future of union labor and construction innovation in the state.

Originally reported by John Harrington (Edison) in ROI.