There’s still time to apply!

By Dani Sheehan. 

SOPREMA’s scholarship program helps to identify talent within the industry by fostering innovation, advancing the pursuit of knowledge and excellence, and alleviating some of the financial burdens for higher education. 

For the better part of a decade, SOPREMA has encouraged undergraduate, graduate and now trade school students to apply for their scholarship program, which is committed to continuing the success and growth of the industry by investing in the next generation. Offering five, $5,000 scholarships to provide financial assistance to students pursuing education in fields related to construction, the deadline for this school year’s program is quickly approaching! We caught up with Jeanette Alston-Watkins, the regional events and meeting manager out of Florida, to learn more about the scholarship and tips on how to successfully apply. 

Jeanette shared that when she first took over the scholarship, they had around 15 applicants from across the country. This year, there are already 40 applicants, and they are still accepting applications. She loves being a part of this program and sees it filling a huge need in the industry. She says, “So many people are going to be retiring and there’s going to be such a gap. We need more people, and we need to make sure they come back to this field.” 

As part of the application process, applicants are required to answer two essay questions that relate to the construction industry, address sustainability and show their personality. Jeanette explains, “We want the candidates to demonstrate an understanding of the environmental and sustainability challenges facing our industry. A successful answer should go beyond merely identifying sustainability challenges and propose innovative solutions to address them.” 

One of her favorite submissions was a sustainability brochure one applicant designed with SOPREMA’s logo for a mock marketing campaign. In another submission, an applicant designed an entire house with various types of bamboo. She boasts, “This is why I mentor people, because I love to see and hear their view on things. Some of the [applicants’] ideas are just amazing. It brings me joy.” 

The deadline for the 2024-2025 school year ends May 15, 2024. But, if you mention you read about the scholarship on RoofersCoffeeShop®, Jeanette is extending the deadline to June 1, 2024. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to pursue a career in the construction industry with the support of SOPREMA.