Construction Career Development Initiative Awards $150,000 in Scholarships to Students Pursuing Degrees in Construction
St. Louis, MO – May 20, 2024 – The Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) hosted the annual Build Our Future Scholarship awards ceremony on May 14, celebrating the exceptional achievements of the Class of 2024. The event, hosted by Clayco, was a testament to CCDI’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and opportunity within the construction industry. A total of $150,000 in scholarships was awarded to 10 recent high school graduates.
CCDI is a 501 (c )3 nonprofit organization founded by Clayco after the 2014 Ferguson unrest to bring diversity to the design and construction industry by mentoring and exposing minority, underrepresented, and underserved students to career development in construction. To date, CCDI has assisted 170 people with full-time employment in the trades and has awarded 74 Build Our Future scholarships totaling more than $650,000.
“Our initiative thrives through collective partnerships,” said Brian Williams, CCDI Executive Director. “Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless students and shaping the future of the construction industry.”
The scholarships awarded represent more than just financial support; they embody CCDI’s dedication to empowering students through education and career development. The recipients will benefit from personalized support from CCDI leadership, including help with internships, mentoring, and career placement assistance.
The ceremony also highlighted the accomplishments of two recent graduates from Ranken Technical College’s Plumbing Technology program. These graduates, recipients of the Richard Boyd Jr. Memorial Trades Scholarship, are on track to union plumbing jobs as their next step will be joining Local 562 Plumbers & Pipefitters.
The event brought together a diverse array of individuals, including high school educators, college professors, industry professionals, business owners, parents, and supporters of the program.
About CCDI
CCDI, the Construction Career Development Initiative, stands as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2015 in response to the aftermath in Ferguson, Missouri. Committed to fostering positive change, CCDI focuses on supporting underrepresented individuals by removing barriers to success and creating opportunities in the construction industry. Initially aligned with Clayco’s vision for enhanced workforce diversity and addressing workforce development gaps, CCDI has expanded its impact. Through strategic partnerships with school districts, workforce development programs, general contractors, and subcontractors in communities where Clayco builds, CCDI is creating a collaborative ecosystem. The ultimate objective is to collectively contribute to #BuildingTheFoundationForChange for the next generation of workers. Learn more at CCDI.org