Skilled Trades Scholarships

Scholarships

The Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan (HBANWMI) and the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation promotes and supports residential building in our eight-county area, with a focus on education. Through scholarships, the HBANWMI and its foundation support students in our area who have chosen to make skilled construction trades their career choice. They are the future of Northern Michigan and they are tomorrow's employees that employers are desperately in need of today.

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Since 1984, 129 scholarships have been awarded, for a total of $107,798.42 in support of NMC and its students.

Spring 2025 Scholarships Are Open!

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE MARCH 31, 2025

CLICK HERE to APPLY!

Scholarship recipients will be announced at the HBANWMI General Membership Meeting in May 2025.

Multiple applicants may be awarded. Scholarships are available for multiple years for each applicant.

Requirements:

Field of study MUST be related to the home building industry. This includes the skilled trades and supporting industries.
Must be a resident of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford counties.
Minimum cumulative grade point average must be at least 2.5 on a 4-point scale. A copy of current transcripts/grade report must be provided.
Demonstrated community involvement, leadership, and/or service.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of reference/recommendation as a supplement to the application, preferably written by an active member of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan

Fall 2025

Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation FALL SCHOLARSHIP - Scholarships will be awarded for the 2026/2027 academic year. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Foundation Scholarship Awards Dinner to be held in the fall of 2025.

Multiple applicants may be awarded. Scholarships are available multiple years for each applicant.

Requirements:

Applicant’s chosen field of study must relate to the home building industry, including construction trades and supporting industries: landscaping, mortgage lending, architectural design, kitchen design, accounting, energy, environmental, interior design, real estate, and utilities. Or the automotive industry to include engineering technicians, service techs & mechanics, electronic equipment installers & repairers, body repairers, or other areas related to the automotive industry.
Must be a resident of one of the eight counties we serve: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford County.
Must be a high school graduate or set to graduate in the spring of 2025 or sooner. Must provide proof of current transcript, grade report, or Certificate of Completion.
Must be registered for a college or a vocational school for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Must demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and/or service.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of reference/recommendation as a supplement to their application, preferably written by an active Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan member.

Scholarship Recipients

Fall 2024 Recipients

Aaron Mann
Alan Merrill
Andrew Sysko
Annika Beaver
Collin Egeler
Elyott Hunt
Jack Shannen
Jacob Hagerrman
Kenneth Mongar
Luke Gallagher
Luke Shannen
Madison Evans
Karma Mroz
Nicholas Picardat
Zachary Bryan
Zedric Sirrine

Spring 2024 Recipients

Hayden Lance
Madilyn McLean
Taylor Keefe

2023 Recipients

2022 Recipients

Fall 2022 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

Spring 2022 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

JEFF CHASE: A graduate of Forest Area High School and the Northwest Education Services Program, Jeff is enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College for 2022/2023.
OSMAN CAYIR: Currently enrolled at Northwestern Michigan University in the Construction Technology Program.
MARK DUNHAM; Currently enrolled at Northwestern Michigan University in the Construction Technology Program.
EVAN RANGER: A graduate of West Senior High, Evan is enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College for 2022/2023.
HARLYN BRANNON: Currently enrolled at Northwestern Michigan University in the Construction Technology Program.
RILEY BROCK; A graduate of Kingsley High School, Riley will be attending Ferris State University in the fall.

2021 Recipients

Fall 2021 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

CHRISTIE BURKE: Christie will be pursuing a Construction Management/Carpentry Certificate
JOSH SCHAUER: Josh will be enrolled in the Construction Technology Program
NICHOLAS BEER: Nicholas is pursuing his Associates Degree in Applied Science - Electrical
ROB MARLOW: Rob is pursuing his Construction Management Certificate

Spring 2021 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

MADDIE CORWIN: After completing the Associate’s degree program in Construction Management at NMC, Maddie hopes to start her own business flipping houses in the Grand Traverse area. She is also interested in getting a Realtor’s license to better understand homebuying, and to further empower herself towards career goals.
KAYLA KORSON: Kayla is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in architecture.

2020 Recipients

Fall 2020 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

AUSTIN BLUEMEL: Austin is heavily involved in the local community, and has also traveled far for missions trips. Through this work, he has found the hands-on work on a job site to be enjoyable. He will soon be graduating from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and would like to attend NMC soon after to learn about trade programs.
DERICK HALL: Derick is working towards his Carpentry 1 certificate through NMC, with hopes of making a career change. Before making this change, Derick spent a decade at Oryana, where he served a Board term and was highly involved with training and community events.
CARMEN LAFRANIER: Carmen graduated from Grand Traverse Academy in 2019 and is pursuing a Carpentry Technology certificate from NMC. She is heavily involved at her church, Mt. Zion FWC, as a worship team member and a youth leader for Elevate.
MADDIE CORWIN: After completing the Associate’s degree program in Construction Management at NMC, Maddie hopes to start her own business flipping houses in the Grand Traverse area. She is also interested in getting a Realtor’s license to better understand homebuying, and to further empower herself towards career goals.
MAX ZEERYP: A 2019 graduate of Rudyard Area High School, Max is studying Electrical Technology, and hopes to leverage an apprenticeship in the field to help him earn a Journeyman license someday.
ALAIN KLINGBAIL: Alain works for HBA Member, Dan Paulson, and will be attending NMC to further his understanding of building code + regulation, and to also hone his skills as a carpenter. Alain is also taking blacksmithing classes and is interested in also becoming a licensed welder + blacksmith.

Spring 2020 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

JAKE CHESNEY: A 2020 graduate of Traverse City West High School, Jake works as an Intern at Bay Area Contracting and is the Owner of Chesney Exterior, a landscaping company.
MADDIE CORWIN: After completing the Associate’s degree program in Construction Management at NMC, Maddie hopes to start her own business flipping houses in the Grand Traverse area. She is also interested in getting a Realtor’s license to better understand homebuying, and to further empower herself towards career goals.
CAMERON PROEHL: Cameron, a home school and Career Tech Center student, will be graduating in the spring of 2021. Interested in HVAC, Cameron wants to explore all of the trades covered in NMC’s Construction Management programs.

2019 Recipients

Fall 2019 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

LON ROGERS: A 2017 graduate of St. Francis High School, Lon hopes to obtain a Construction Management degree from NMC and a Business Administration degree from Ferris State University. Lon is regularly involved with Freedom Builders, helping work on charitable building projects in the region.
BRIDGET BERNHARD: Bridget is an Electrical Apprentice for Consolidated Electric and Windemuller, while studying Renewable Energy at NMC. After completing her degree, Bridget would like to explore courses related to other trades.
DYLAN NAGEL: Dylan will graduate from Traverse City West High School in the spring of 2019, after which he plans to study Construction Trades at NMC and Ferris State University. Dylan is an employee of Hallmark Construction, and HBAGTA member, and he applauds the support, training, and potential that Hallmark has provided him.
MAXWELL WINKLER: Maxwell is a 2019 graduate of Traverse City West High School. After high school, he will be attending NMC to study carpentry in the Construction Management program. Maxwell is very involved in the community, through Father Fred, Safe Harbor, and other community and political campaigns.
LAYTON ROE: Layton, a home-school student, will graduate in the spring of 2020. Over the summer, Layton worked at Precision Plumbing and Heating in their warehouse, helping deliver equipment to job sites. He hopes to pursue engineering, starting at NMC to someday transfer on to a 4-year college.
KELLEY CHURCHILL: Kelley is the owner of On Point Carpentry Frame & Trim in Traverse City. She is wanting to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management to help her better understand her + her husband’s business.
EVAN MILKS: Evan will be graduating from Benzie Central High School in 2020. Upon graduation, Evan will be attending NMC to study Construction Trades and to explore Automotive Mechanics, as he has already been helping with small engine repairs in his community through his involvement with Future Farmer’s of America.
HUNTER CASE: Hunter will be studying Construction Management at NMC, in hopes to honor his father by being the first college graduate of his family. Following graduation, Hunter would like to own a construction company in Northwest Michigan.

Spring 2019 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

DYLAN NAGEL: Dylan will graduate from Traverse City West High School in the spring of 2019, after which he plans to study Construction Trades at NMC and Ferris State University. Dylan is an employee of Hallmark Construction, and HBAGTA member, and he applauds the support, training, and potential that Hallmark has provided him.
JOSEPH SOWERS: A graduate of Ellsworth High School, Joseph is going to attend NMC for a Carpentry Certificate. At Ellsworth, Joseph is involved in the first Robotics program and wants to inspire other kids to pursue STEM fields through mentorship.

2018 Recipients

Fall 2018 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

TYLER BASSETT: A 2008 graduate of Cadillac Senior High School, Tyler plans on continuing his Carpentry certificate courses, while working towards a Facilities Maintenance Certificate from NMC.
DYLAN NAGEL: Dylan will graduate from Traverse City West High School in the spring of 2019, after which he plans to study Construction Trades at NMC and Ferris State University. Dylan is an employee of Hallmark Construction, and HBAGTA member, and he applauds the support, training, and potential that Hallmark has provided him.
SHALE NOWLAND: Shale is a working electrician with Buhr electric, looking to finish his electrician certification and move on to an Electrical Engineer degree program.
MAKENZI O’ROURKE: Makenzi is a 2018 graduate of Benzie Central High School, interested in working as an electrician. She is hoping to use the scholarship funds to obtain her Journeyperson’s license.
EMILY PERKINS: A 2016 graduate of Kalkaska High School, Emily will soon be finishing her associate's degree in Construction Management at NMC. Looking ahead, she is hoping to become an apprentice to learn more about the industry.
FREDY PORTILLO: Fredy obtained a Bachelor’s degree in El Salvador, and is looking to make a career change by going back to NMC to study HVAC/R. Someday, Fredy hopes to own his own business so that he can give back through apprenticeships and employment for others interested in trade work.

Spring 2018 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

NATALIE HORNACEK: Graduating from Kingsley High School this year. Also attends the Career Tech Center and will study toward a degree in Career Technical Education at Ferris. Natalie will be going to school while going into the Air National Guard. Natalie currently works for Kingsley Lumber.
NEIL CAREY: 2004 TC Central graduate. Currently employed by Voltage Electric and is an electrical apprentice in the IBEW Union working towards his electrical Journeyman's and then Master's license.
EMILY PERKINS: 2016 Kalkaska High School graduate. Currently attending NMC studying Carpentry & Construction Management. Became interested in the skilled trades when she attended NMC's Building Tomorrow event, a hands-on introduction to the skilled trades.
GABRIEL JOHNSON: Graduating this year from Frankfort High School and will be studying Construction Management at Ferris State University. He got his first toolset and belt at the age of 4! Took shop class in the 7th & 8th grades and drafting & design as a senior.
SHALE NOWLAND: 2016 TC West Graduate and currently attending NMC, studying to be an electrician. Works at Sherwin Williams and has assisted with projects at job sites. Several years as a Boy Scout and very goal-oriented!
BRENTON DRAKE: Graduating from Elk Rapids High School this year. Studying Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Tech. Brenton is familiar with the trades, his father is a plumbing manager with Team Bob's and his mother, Kris Drake, works at Infusion Kitchen and Bath. Brenton has enjoyed assisting his father with work projects.
ALYSSA CULLEN: 2016 Grand Traverse Academy graduate. She plans to graduate from Michigan Tech with a Civil Engineering degree and attending graduate school so she can work as an architect with a sound understanding of engineering, functionality, and sustainability.

2017 Recipients

Fall 2017 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

CORINA HURST: Graduated from Grand Traverse Academy and a current student at NMC, with studies in Sustainable/Green Building & Architecture.
SAMUEL JAVED: Graduated from TC West Senior High and is currently studying Construction Management at NMC.
EMILY PERKINS: Graduated from Kalkaska High School and a current student at NMC with studies in Carpentry & Construction Management.
JONATHAN REED: Graduated from TC West Senior High, and currently studying Carpentry Technology at NMC.
AUSTIN SOLO: Graduated from Frankfort High School. Currently a full-time electrical apprentice and attending the NMC electrical program.
TIMOTHY SPIRES: Graduated from Hartford High School and currently studying Construction Management at NMC.
ZAKARY WASHBURN: A current student at Bellaire High School and taking classes at the Career Tech Center for Construction Trades. Graduating next June and planning to attend NMC's Construction Management and Carpentry Technology.
DOMINIC WEISS: Graduated from Fenton High School and currently studying Carpentry Technology at NMC.

Spring 2017 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

BRIDGET BERNHARD: Bridget is a 2012 Graduate from Traverse City West Senior High School and is currently studying Renewable Energy within the Electrical field at Northwestern Michigan College. Bridget is an apprentice with Consolidated Electrical Company.
SAMUEL JAVED: Sam is a 2013 graduate from Traverse City West Senior High School and has recently started working in the Home Building industry with Maurer Construction. Samuel is currently enrolled in the Construction Management program at Northwestern Michigan College.

2016 Recipients

Fall 2016 - Northwestern Michigan College - HBAGTA Scholarship

TAYLOR BANTIEN: 2015 graduate of Elk Rapids High School. Taylor is currently enrolled at NMC in the Construction Carpentry Technology Program. Upon completion of her studies at NMC, Taylor is looking to work in the residential building industry.
CORINA HURST: 2016 graduate of Grand Traverse Academy. Corina's goal is to earn a degree that will help in serving others, ideally in a way that involves designing and building sustainable and economical housing/shelter for those in need. Corina's mother, Marcy Hurst is an HBAGTA member.
TIMOTHY SPIRES: 2014 graduate of Hartford High School. Timothy currently works for Northwest Carpentry. His goal is to earn his degree in Construction Management and eventually start his own construction business.

Spring 2016 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation - HBAGTA Scholarship

ROBERT DANBERT: Robert graduated from Ellsworth High School in 2007 and has recently started working in the home building industry. He is attending NMC and working toward his PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Certificate. Robert is also in the JATC Electrical Union apprenticeship program.
MARK MACHIN: 2016 graduate from Central High School, with Structural Engineering being Mark's field of study. Mark plans to attend NMC for 2 years and then head to Michigan Tech to finish his degree. Mark's parents, Angie and Patrick are contractors and members of the HBAGTA.
JACOB WILLIAMS: 2016 graduate of Benzie Central High School with Architecture being his field of study. During his junior year, Jacob was inducted into the National Honors Society. Jacob plans to attend the University of Detroit and run cross country and track while pursuing his Master's Degree in architecture. Jacob's father, Ken Williams is an architect and member of the HBAGTA.

Scholarships

Spring 2025 Scholarships Are Open!

Fall 2025

Scholarship Recipients

COMMITTED TO A HIGHER STANDARD