AGC South Dakota Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Associated General Contractors of South Dakota

The AGC Education and Research Foundation, through the generous contributions of AGC members, supporters, and chapters, is proud to provide over 150 scholarships annually to deserving undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships, which have been awarded since 1970, are a testament to our commitment to fostering academic success and future industry leaders. To date, we have awarded over 4,000 scholarships, amounting to over $11 million in financial aid.

Undergraduate students may receive up to $2,500 per academic year, renewable for three years, while graduate students may receive $3,750 per academic year, renewable for two years. Our scholarship recipients are selected based on their academic achievements, their dedication to the construction industry as demonstrated through participation in professional organizations and industry-related work, and their future goals. The application portal for the 2026-2027 academic year will open on July 1, 2025.

Awards

In addition to our scholarships, the AGC Education and Research Foundation also presents two prestigious awards each year. The first is given to an educator who has made significant contributions to construction education, and the second is awarded to a senior-level student who submits the winning essay in the James L. Allhands Essay Competition.

Outstanding Educator Award

Since 1985, we have annually recognized an educator who has made a significant impact in the field of construction education. Nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Educator will open on July 1, 2025. The recipient of this award is notified in February and formally recognized at the AGC Annual Convention.

James L. Allhands Student Essay Competition

The James L. Allhands Essay Competition was established in honor of one of AGC's founding members, James L. Allhands, a prolific writer of construction-related works. This award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic that contributes to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry. The application for the 2026 competition will open on July 1, 2025. The winner is notified in February and the award is presented at the AGC Annual Convention.

Eligibility

Applicants for our scholarships must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be a rising college sophomore, junior in a four-year program, or rising senior in a five-year program at the time the scholarship is awarded in the fall of 2025. Junior and senior level applicants must have one full academic year of coursework remaining at the time of the application deadline in the fall of 2025 term. Second-year students at a two-year school who are planning to transfer to a four-year program for the Fall 2025 term are also eligible to apply.
2. Must desire a career in the construction industry.
3. Must be a full-time student.
4. Must be enrolled or intend to enroll in either an ABET or an ACCE-accredited (or candidate status) program.
5. Must pursue a B.S. degree in construction or construction-related engineering. A dual degree with construction or construction-related engineering as one part is acceptable.
6. Must be a U.S. citizen or documented permanent resident of the United States.

Application Requirements

Applicants are responsible for submitting the following items by midnight EST November 1, 2024:

1. Completed application.
2. Evaluation form completed by a college faculty member.
3. Evaluation form completed by an employment supervisor.
4. Official or unofficial transcript of college grades. Unofficial transcripts are accepted if they clearly indicate the academic institution and student's name. Text versions cut and pasted from the school's website are not acceptable.

Please note that spelling and grammar are important and will be considered in the review process. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Scholarship Awards

Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of $2,500 per student per year and may be renewable for up to three years of undergraduate study in construction-related engineering, construction, or a dual degree with construction or construction-related engineering as one part. Applications are reviewed and winners are selected by the AGC Education and Research Foundation Board of Directors. All finalists will be invited to a personal interview with a representative of the AGC Education and Research Foundation. Finalists will be notified in January/February 2025. Scholarship winners will be notified in March, 2025 and the awards will be announced at the AGC Annual Convention. Checks will be sent directly to recipients in late summer preceding the school year.

To be considered for renewal of the annual award installments, the scholarship recipient is required to provide proof of continued enrollment and good standing (min. 2.0 GPA). Grade transcripts and upcoming class schedules must be forwarded at the conclusion of each academic period. Recipients are encouraged to seek summer employment in construction during undergraduate enrollment.

For more information, please contact Paige Packard, Program Director, AGC Education & Research Foundation, by email at paige.packard@agc.org or by phone at (703) 837-5387.