Students pursuing careers in the construction industry have until May 11 to apply for two scholarships offered through the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton Counties Foundation.
- The Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship and the Jeremy Stewart Tools of the Trade Scholarship honor two leaders who served the association before their passing. The BIA said donations to the Emerald Coast Dream Home make the scholarships possible.
The Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to a student pursuing higher education at a college, university or trade school. To qualify, applicants must be a resident of Okaloosa or Walton County, be enrolled in a course of study leading to a major in a building industry career field and have a GPA of at least 2.5.
The scholarship was established by the BIA to honor Josey, a Crestview native and active builder member who served on the BIA Board of Directors until his passing in March 2008. At the time of his death, Josey was the association’s first vice president, Parade of Homes chairman and president-elect.
The Jeremy Stewart Tools of the Trade Scholarship awards $2,000 per recipient, including a $1,500 gift card toward tools and a $500 check. To qualify, students must attend OTC, ECTC, NWFSC, or be a Florida Builders Association or Home Builders Institute student within six months of graduation. Applicants must also be entering a construction-related field.
The scholarship was established to honor Stewart, a past BIA president and advocate for workforce development. It is designed to help offset the cost of tools, equipment and resources needed to begin or advance a career in the trades, including starting a business.
Both applications require letters of recommendation, and the Tools of the Trade application also requires a 500- to 1,000-word essay on the applicant’s career plans.
Scholarships will be awarded June 4. Applications can be mailed to BIAOW Foundation, PO Box 219, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549, or emailed to jgf@biaow.org. Recipients will be notified in advance.
