Navigating AGC Undergraduate Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and its affiliated foundations are deeply invested in fostering a well-educated and highly trained workforce for the construction industry. This commitment is exemplified through various scholarship programs aimed at supporting students pursuing relevant educational paths. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the AGC undergraduate scholarship requirements, drawing upon information from the AGC of South Dakota (AGC of SD) and the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

AGC of South Dakota Scholarships

The AGC of SD demonstrates its dedication to construction education by awarding significant scholarships to students enrolled in construction-related degree or diploma programs. In 2025, the organization awarded over $75,000 and plans to continue this commitment in 2026.

Administration and Application

The AGC of SD collaborates with a Scholarship Committee to determine award recipients and amounts. Scholarships are administered annually through partnerships with technical colleges and universities. Applications are available directly at these institutions.

AGC Education and Research Foundation Scholarships

The AGC Education and Research Foundation provides undergraduate scholarships to students enrolled in ABET, ACCE, and certain ATMAE-accredited construction management or construction-related engineering programs. Over $10 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 4,000 students attending colleges and universities across the country.

Eligibility Criteria

Specific eligibility requirements must be met to apply for these undergraduate scholarships:

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Academic Standing: Applicants must be rising college sophomores or juniors in a four-year program, or rising seniors in a five-year program at the time the scholarship is awarded in the fall of 2026. Junior and senior-level applicants must have one full academic year of coursework remaining at the time of the application deadline in the fall 2026 term. Second-year students at a two-year school planning to transfer to a four-year program for the fall 2026 term are also eligible. High school seniors are not eligible.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented permanent residents of the United States.
Educational Pursuit: Applicants must pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in construction or construction-related engineering. A dual degree with construction or construction-related engineering as one part is acceptable.
Career Aspiration: Applicants must desire a career in the construction industry.

Application Requirements

A complete application typically includes the following:

Personal Recommendations: Two personal recommendations are required. One must be from a faculty member or advisor, and the other from an employer. It is crucial to inform recommenders that their recommendation is being requested.
Transcripts: An official or unofficial transcript of college grades is required. Unofficial transcripts are accepted if they clearly indicate the academic institution and student's name.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Application Period: The application period typically opens on July 1st of each calendar year and closes at midnight on November 1st of the same year.
Finalist Notification: Finalists are typically notified in January or February.
Recipient Announcement: Scholarship recipients are selected and announced in March of the following calendar year.

Scholarship Details

Award Amount: The scholarships for undergraduates are $2,500 per year ($1,250 if you have half a semester) and can be renewed for up to three years.
Renewal Requirements: To be considered for renewal annual award installments, the scholarship recipient is required to provide indications 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 will not be reminded to provide this information; failure to do so will result in non-renewal of scholarship award installments.
Interview Process: Applicants selected as finalists will be invited to a personal interview with a representative of the AGC Education and Research Foundation or with a contractor in their area. Checks will be sent directly to recipients in late summer preceding the school year.

Workforce Development Scholarship

The AGC Education and Research Foundation also offers a Workforce Development Scholarship to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring students possess the technical skills necessary to enter the commercial construction workforce immediately.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry, representing over 27,000 firms. This includes leading general contractors, specialty-contracting firms, service providers, and suppliers, all connected through a nationwide network of chapters.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Meet the Criteria: Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying.
Complete Application: Ensure all sections of the application are complete before submitting. The application is not considered submitted until all sections are complete and the 'Submit' button at the bottom of the page is clicked.
Inform Recommenders: Make sure that your recommenders (one teacher and one employer) know that you are requesting their recommendation.

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