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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.

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

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