Student Scholarships

JRGF offers several scholarships as part of its commitment to funding the next generation of mechanical contracting leaders. With these scholarships, MCAA is dedicated to providing students the opportunity to develop professional skills, knowledge and experiences. These scholarships will be presented to worthy students involved with a chartered MCAA student chapter. Recipients are selected by members of the MCAA Career Development Committee.

MCAA recognizes the importance of ensuring opportunity exists for everybody to grow in our industry. We strive to come together and create a space that ensures the opportunity exists for everybody—regardless of background, race, gender, or any other factor—to succeed and be able to grow in our industry.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for one of these scholarships, applicants must:

  • Be an active participant of an MCAA Student Chapter;
  • Enrolled in a four-year or five-year undergraduate program with a recognized MCAA student chapter;
  • Working towards an undergraduate degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, HVAC or other similar field; and
  • Have an interest in pursuing a career in mechanical contracting, as demonstrated through activities and employment.

JRGF and its generous donors are proud to present the following scholarships:

Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey has established two $2,500 scholarships to honor the memory of Alan P. O’Shea, former Executive Director of the MCA of New Jersey. These national scholarships will memorialize Mr. O’Shea’s many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2016Kevin McIntyreUniversity of Nebraska
2017Francesco PisanoWentworth Institute of Technology
2018Ruth EdgarUniversity of Nebraska
2018Nate SnyderUniversity of Nebraska
2019Brooke ScottMilwaukee School of Engineering
2019Jarrod BlaserUniversity of Nebraska
2020Bryce DanielsonUniversity of Nebraska
2020Kimberly SikkemaFerris State University
2021Jakob CiminoUniversity of Nebraska
2021Parker Scott FiliusPurdue University
2022Albert PantojaCypress College
2022Brodee PaulUniversity of Nebraska
2023Marissa KellyUniversity of Nebraska
2023Brodee PaulUniversity of Nebraska
2024Carter BennettFerris State University
2024Irvin QuintanaUniversity of Nebraska
2025Braidyn HudsonIndiana State University
2025Preston McDonaldIndiana State University

Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship

MCAA has established a $2,500 scholarship to honor the memory of Ann Mattheis, a former Director of MCAA’s Career Development / GreatFutures program. Her dedication and contributions to building the GreatFutures program left an enduring legacy for multiple decades of students and for the overall membership of MCAA throughout her many roles with MCAA.

Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2024Tabitha WatsonIowa State University
2025Daniel KellenIowa State University

ATP Inspiring future Leaders Scholarship

ATP has established a $2,500 scholarship designed to recognize, support, and inspire students whose goal is to pursue a degree in the mechanical industry. This scholarship symbolizes ATP’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals in attaining the knowledge and technical skills required for employment and advancement in the mechanical industry.

ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship Previous Recipients
2023Amaya CagginoUniversity of Maryland, College Park
2024Adam KuschewskiSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
2025Kaleb KruseKansas State University

Barbara Dolim Scholarship

{new content here} remove/update: Looking for the MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship? Check out the MSCA scholarship page for eligibility and application details. This scholarship is typically due in the spring and awarded at the MSCA Annual Education Conference in the fall.

Bolton Family Scholarship

The $5,000 Bolton Family Scholarship was established to pay tribute to the significant contributions that the Boltons have provided to the construction industry and the dedicated service they provided to the employees of Arden Building Companies. The scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they serve in Rhode Island. Notably, their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvement with the Ronald McDonald House underscore the Bolton Family’s deep-rooted commitment to serving both their employees and the broader community. This scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton family’s legacy.

The Bolton Family Scholarship Previous Recipients
2024Drew FiguraUniversity of Nebraska
2025Shelby GustafsonCalifornia State University, Chico

Dewalt Patriot Scholarship

(Open to Military Veterans or those who are currently serving)
This scholarship is designed to recognize two veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career in the trades. Thank you to DEWALT for honoring our military with these two $5,000 scholarships and to all of our Veterans for their service. 

DEWALT Patriot Scholarship Previous Recipients
2022Nathaniel GolusIowa State University
2022Abbie RaudabaughIndiana State University
2023Daniel Colon-CrespoFerris State University
2023Jake BalgemannIowa State University
2024Jaden DoebelinIowa State University
2024Jeff WoodardUniversity of Nebraska
2025Jaden DoebelinIowa State University
2025Jeff WoodardUniversity of Nebraska

Donald V. Brown, SR. Memorial Scholarship

D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc. established a $5,000 scholarship to commemorate the memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior. D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc. is a charter member of the MCAA.

Donald V. Brown, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2024Shelby GustafsonCalifornia State University, Chico
2025Griffin SouderPittsburg State University

EVAPCO, INC. Engineering Sholarship

EVAPCO, Inc. has established two $5,000 scholarships designed to recognize and encourage students whose goal is to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering, or a field of study relevant to mechanical contracting/ equipment manufacturing that supports the mechanical contracting industry.

EVAPCO, Inc. Engineering Scholarship Previous Recipients
2025Yulien LizFairleigh Dickinson University
2025Jennifer TartagliaUniversity of Maryland, College Park

Ferguson Women In The Mechanical Industry Scholarship

(Open to female students)
Ferguson is sponsoring two $5,000 scholarships for two worthy female students invested in career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Ferguson Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship Previous Recipients
2018Anna RoweMilwaukee School of Engineering
2018Sarah DrummeyUniversity of Nebraska
2019Lindsey StasiWentworth Institute of Technology
2019Madelyn ConwayPurdue University
2020Alexis BrownUniversity of Nebraska
2020Molly SizemorePennsylvania State University
2021Sarah GalanWentworth Institute of Technology
2021Kimberly SikkemaFerris State University
2022Sabrina PavlovaMissouri State University
2022Emily WoodsmallUniversity of Nebraska
2023Morgan FischerKent State University
2023Alayna TrautmanAlfred State University
2024Gina CarnovaleKent State University
2024Kyla MageeUniversity of Nebraska
2025Sophia BernhardUniversity of Maryland, College Park
2025Olivia KieferIowa State University

Foster McCarl, JR. Memorial Scholarship

The McCarl family has established a $5,000 scholarship to commemorate its founder, Foster McCarl, Jr. and to honor his memory. This national scholarship will symbolize the scope of Mr. McCarl’s impact on the mechanical contracting industry and memorialize his many contributions to its continuing advancement.

Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2016Timothy DrakeUniversity of Nebraska
2017Sarah DrummeyUniversity of Nebraska
2018Jared KirklandKansas State University
2019Madison BeauchainWentworth Institute of Technology
2020Jonathan DangIndiana State University
2021Ahmed SeckUniversity of Maryland, College Park
2022Alayna TrautmanAlfred State College
2023Macy DeckSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
2024Brady ThompsonUniversity of Nebraska
2025Kyla MageeUniversity of Nebraska

Geiling Family Scholarship

The Geiling Family Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the plumbing and mechanical trades, helping to develop the next generation of industry leaders. The scholarship empowers recipients to focus on building skills and advancing their knowledge. This $5,000 scholarship represents a commitment to investing in the future of the plumbing and mechanical contracting community.

Geiling Family Scholarship Previous Recipients
2025Drew FiguraUniversity of Nebraska

Josam Endowed Scholarship

(Three-Year Endowed Scholarship for Sophomores)
Josam Company has established a $2,500 endowment annual scholarship to a student committed to pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering or a similar field within MCAA’s scope. Provided that all qualifications are met the recipients will receive the scholarship in their sophomore, junior and senior years. This annual national scholarship will symbolize Josam Company’s commitment to assisting in the education of individuals who will pursue a career within the mechanical contracting industry.

Josam Scholarship Previous Recipients
2020Hailey BrennanUniversity of Maryland, College Park
2021Hailey BrennanUniversity of Maryland, College Park
2022Hailey BrennanUniversity of Maryland, College Park
2023Alison RitvoKent State University
2025Tyler CurrieAlfred State College

Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship

The John W. Danforth Company has established a $5,000 scholarship to commemorate the memory of its leadership, the Reilly Family. Danforth is a charter member of the MCAA. Kevin “Duke” Reilly served as Danforth’s Chairman/CEO. Wayne, Patrick and Emmett Reilly contributed a combined 128 years of commitment and loyalty to their company and the industry. This national scholarship will symbolize the Reillys’ many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2016Andrew PalcanMilwaukee School of Engineering
2017Sarabeth HaworthMilwaukee School of Engineering
2018Zachary QueenKansas State University
2019Thomas WalshUniversity of Missouri-Columbia
2020Hunter DeJongeAlfred State College
2021Masen DinklageUniversity of Nebraska
2022Joani LicoFairleigh Dickinson University
2023Brock SchulzUniversity of Nebraska
2024Aidan WolownikPittsburg State University
2025Brady ThompsonUniversity of Nebraska

Rick And Debbie Gopffarth Mechanical Construction Endowed Scholarship

Rick Gopffarth served as the 2024-2025 MCAA President and is the SVP of Preconstruction for Dynamic Systems, Inc. (DSI) in Dallas, TX. Following his presidency, both he and Debbie Gopffarth desired to give back to the community that gave them so much and established a new scholarship to support the next generation of mechanical construction students.  Rick is a firm believer that success comes from strong partnerships, good customers, and the value of higher education.  Together, Rick and Debbie believe this scholarship will encourage students who share their values to select mechanical for their career path and assist them with building a meaningful career in the industry.

Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship

(Open to MCAA Student Chapter Presidents)
Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and Susan Armistead established two $5,000 scholarships to commemorate Robert T. Armistead and to honor his memory. These scholarships will symbolize “Bob’s” leadership, dedication and impact on the mechanical contracting industry. Robert Armistead served as MCAA President in 2010.

Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2024Daniel KellenIowa State University
2024Yulien LizFairleigh Dickinson University
2025Gina CarnovaleKent State University
2025Bruno PortesFairleigh Dickinson University

Robert J. Durr, SR. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship

The National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau has established a $2,500 scholarship in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the NCPWB Board of Trustees, for his effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the UA and the NCPWB, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.

Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship Previous Recipients
2023Cole PerkinsIowa State University
2024Kavan LimbasiyaPittsburg State University
2025Garvey FrancePurdue University

Thomas J. Wanner Memorial Scholarship

The MCA/MSCA of Cleveland established a $5,000 scholarship in honor of their former Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner. Thomas Wanner focused on labor relations, collective bargaining, education and training, legislation, codes and business operations for over three decades.

Thomas J. Wanner Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2022Amaya CagginoUniversity of Maryland
2023Daniel KellenIowa State University
2024Madison DeckSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
2025Aidan WolownikPittsburg State University

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship

(Open to students interested in a career in estimating, Student Chapter Competition participant)
Trimble is sponsoring a $5,000 scholarship for a student interested in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry. The scholarship recipient must be a participant in the MCAA Student Chapter Competition (first round).

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship Previous Recipients
2023Joani LicoFairleigh Dickinson University
2024Daniel DeSotoCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
2025Kavan LimbasiyaPittsburg State University

Tyfoom “Become More” Scholarship

Tyfoom has established a $5,000 scholarship to empower the next generation of leaders dedicated to improving culture, safety and engagement in the workplace. The Tyfoom “Become More” Scholarship reflects Tyfoom’s mission to help individuals become more and reach their potential – through consistent communication, training and accountability. This scholarship will recognize students who demonstrate a commitment to becoming better everyday – continually striving to improve themselves, their teams, and the world around them.

Viega Scholarship

Viega has established a $5,000 scholarship to assist undergraduate students pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Viega Scholarship Previous Recipients
2023Morebodi SebadietaCalifornia State University, Chico
2024Griffin SouderPittsburg State University
2025Parker JenkinsPittsburg State University

William A. Bianco, JR. Memorial Scholarship

Kinetics has established a $5,000 scholarship to commemorate William A. Bianco, Jr. and to honor his memory. This national scholarship will symbolize the scope of Mr. Bianco’s impact on the mechanical contracting industry and memorialize his many contributions to its continuing advancement.

William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Previous Recipients
2016Leah HendricksMilwaukee School of Engineering
2017Robert Ryan SchneiderColorado State University
2018Ben PikusKent State University
2019Caleb KowalskiUniversity of Nebraska
2020Logan StoneMilwaukee School of Engineering
2021Luke BennettUniversity of Nebraska
2022Luke BennettUniversity of Nebraska
2023Veronica BremsPurdue University
2024Lauryn GilgallonFerris State University
2025Gabriel BiagioniCalifornia State University, Chico

Applications for 2025-2026 scholarships are now closed.
2026-2027 forms will be released on September 18, 2026.

Contact MCAA’s Michele Hoffman with questions or to submit photos via email.