AWC strengthens the community by providing substantial scholarship money to women in higher education or apprenticeships who are seeking construction industry-related degrees and experience, which helps increase the overall number of women in the industry.

The AWC has successfully awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to young women attending college, technical or trade school in construction-related fields, such as skilled trades, engineering, architecture and construction management. Our annual golf outing is the primary event that raises money for scholarships. The AWC also provides mentoring relationships and opportunities for employment. Scholarship recipients are encouraged to volunteer at our events to network with female CEO's, presidents and women business owners.

In 2007, we awarded seven $1,000 scholarships to the following women:

• Alicia Mankowski, from Brainerd, electricial at MN State Community and Technical College-Wadena
• Josina Manu, from Minneapolis, cabinet making at Minneapolis Community and Technology College
• Kerry McNeill, from Roseville, cabinet making at Saint Paul College
• Laura Dykema, from Minneapolis, construction management at North Hennepin Community College
• Margaret Billings, from Duluth, civil engineering technology at Lake Superior College
• Sarah Burg, from Richmond, HVAC at Saint Cloud Technical College
• Tina Miller, from Leonard, construction management at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Qualifications for the scholarship are:

1. Female Student
2. Current resident of Minnesota OR attending a college or trade institution in Minnesota
3. High School graduate or GED
4. Construction Industry Major