The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) has awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships to 16 students pursuing construction careers and grants for 13 construction trade programs in the state, including two students from Lewis County, according to a BIAW news release.
Adna High School graduate Jake Eko, who is studying at the University of Washington, received a $2,500 scholarship toward a degree in civil engineering.
Eko grew up on a farm outside of Adna and watched and worked alongside his father, a construction manager.
“The hands-on lifestyle I grew up with sparked my interest in construction and engineering from a young age,” Eko said in the release. “I’ve really come to love the entire process, from the initial design to building the final product.”
After graduating, he plans to work in the construction industry focusing on using sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices.
W.F. West High School graduate Ethan Myers, who is studying at Saint Martin’s University, received a $3,000 scholarship toward a degree in mechanical engineering.
Myers is pursuing his degree with the intent to work on historical restoration and replication projects and is planning on getting his master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
BIAW scholarships and grants are given out through the Washington Home Builders Foundation, a nonprofit started by the BIAW in 2012 to help address educational and workforce needs within Washington’s construction industry.
Since its creation, more than $830,000 in scholarships and grants have been awarded, the release stated. For more information, visit https://www.biaw.com/wa-homebuilders-foundation/.
