ssociated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska awarded scholarships to nineteen recipients this year, disbursing more than $52,000 to degree-seeking students and to students learning a trade. Congratulations to the recipients, and thank you to all who donated to the scholarship fund to make it possible.

We’ve asked the recipients to tell us about themselves.

I would like to thank everyone from the AGC of Alaska for this generous scholarship. The scholarship will be used to help offset the costs of tuition at Purdue University, where I will be studying civil engineering, and specializing in structural engineering. My journey to where I am now began in 1962 when my grandparents moved up here to Anchorage. They raised a family and, best of all, had my mom, Holly.

Harry Steeves, my grandpa, was a licensed civil engineer. My parents met and married Outside but moved up here and started their family, which included my older brother and me. I grew up in a home that was bought unfinished and saw the construction, demolition, and remodel up close and acquired some skills along the way. Add cabin construction to this, and you could say that I’m comfortable with a hammer, crowbar, or circular saw.

My interests in math took off at West High School in Anchorage. Between varsity football, debate, track, and working with special needs children, I completed every upper math class that the Anchorage School District offers. I graduated in May 2026, summa cum laude.

The greatest experience of my high school career was being able to take on a Gifted Mentorship program with Nicholas Choromanski of Devise Engineering. During the mentorship, “Mr. Nick” taught me that the role of a structural engineer is to design and contribute to a larger effort that construction requires. I saw how the different focuses and disciplines come together to complete a project. Mr. Nick led tours at job sites that Devise Engineering contributed to around Anchorage. A great part of this was seeing where my love of math would mesh with structural engineering.

It is my philosophy that we all form emotional bonds to the places, the buildings where we work and live. I want to be a part of that and again thank AGC for their support in reaching my career goals.

Growing up in Alaska shaped my work ethic and taught me the value of resilience, community, and hands-on problem-solving—all skills that continue to guide me in my career.

Receiving AGC scholarship support has allowed me to continue my Masters in Business Administration degree while working full-time and raising my family, opening doors for broader professional growth and leadership opportunities across Alaska. My work in land management, including experience supporting mining-related projects, has shown me how critical strong partnerships are between industry and community, and I’ve learned firsthand the importance of responsible development, safety, and long-term planning.

These experiences have strengthened my commitment to serving Alaska through leadership roles that support sustainable development and opportunities for future generations. I’m grateful for AGC’s support in helping me move toward that future.

As I wrap up my senior year in high school, I could not be more excited for what lies ahead. The opportunities are endless, and I know that with hard work, drive, and determination, I will be able to accomplish that which I set out to do.

With this in mind, I am motivated as I prepare to further my education in the fall. I plan to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It is my goal to seek a construction engineering management degree with a minor in business. This education sets me up for my goal of returning to Alaska and owning and operating a contracting company, helping with building infrastructure in remote Alaska.

I want to finish college debt free, and I am prepared to put the work in to do so. If I can finish a higher education free of debt, that gives me a significant advantage as I head into the workforce. Upon receiving an education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I plan on returning to Alaska. This state will forever be my home. While I love traveling and believe it is important to experience a new place for college, I cannot imagine living anywhere else. The entire state of Alaska is such a tightly knit community; dedicated to supporting one another.

I was born and raised in Alaska and, for as long as I can remember, I have known that I want my career to reflect the love I have for this state. I want my career to impact our Alaskan community. My mission is to provide aid in remote villages by helping construct and repair infrastructure with a focus on electrical and heavy civil construction.

I’m honored to receive the AGC of Alaska scholarship and appreciate the support as I continue building my career in construction. I’m a US Marine Corps infantry veteran and currently studying construction management at UAA while working at Watterson Construction.

Working in Alaska has shown me how important strong infrastructure is, not just for our communities but also for state and national security. This scholarship helps me stay focused on finishing my degree and working towards my goal of becoming a superintendent or project manager. I’m excited to keep growing in Alaska’s construction industry and be part of projects generating a real impact across the state.

I was born and raised in Anchorage and grew up visiting everywhere from Fairbanks to Sitka, developing a deep appreciation for everything Alaskan, especially the mountains. Currently, I am studying geological engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and plan to return to my hometown after earning the degree.

In my professional career, I plan to work with the construction industry through geological surveying and hazard prevention across Alaska. The AGC of Alaska scholarship has given me the opportunity to study my passion, give back to the Alaska community in the future, and has helped immensely in my goal of graduating college debt free. I would like to thank Shannon & Wilson, Inc. for giving me the opportunity to build engineering and professional skills as well as my parents for believing in me unconditionally.

I’m currently pursuing a construction management degree at UAA while working as a project engineer at Cornerstone General Contractors. I started with Cornerstone as an intern, and it’s been rewarding to continue growing with the company while building my career in construction.

I’m also a proud member of Alaska Laborers’ Local 341 and have spent the last ten years working in the field. That hands-on experience taught me a lot about teamwork, accountability, problem-solving, and what it takes to get work done safely and efficiently. Working alongside experienced crews gave me a strong foundation that still shapes the way I approach projects and professional growth today.

My long-term goal is to become a project manager and eventually earn my PMP [Project Management Professional] certification. Receiving the AGC scholarship helps support me as I continue balancing school and work while working toward those goals. Outside of work and school, I enjoy snowboarding and golfing and appreciate the opportunities Alaska provides both professionally and personally.

I am a Palmer-based project superintendent with Cruz Construction, Inc. and a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Systems Engineering degree with a project management certificate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

After earning my Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics degree from the Colorado School of Mines, I returned home to Alaska to continue building experience in heavy civil construction, remote logistics, and critical infrastructure projects. My work has included airport, landfill, roadway, and rural infrastructure projects across Alaska, where I have gained valuable lessons in leadership, safety, teamwork, and problem-solving in challenging environments. With support from the AGC scholarship, I plan to continue advancing my education, professional engineering goals, and long-term commitment to strengthening Alaska’s construction industry and remote communities.

I was born in Kodiak, Alaska, and have lived in Alaska my entire life. Growing up here has given me a strong appreciation for the state, its communities, and the opportunities available in Alaska’s construction industry. I have worked with ChemTrack Alaska for the past eight years, and, during my spring semester internship with ChemTrack, I gained even more hands-on experience and a better understanding of the work that goes into the construction and environmental services industry.

Through this internship, I was able to build on the skills I have learned over the years, work alongside experienced professionals, and see how important teamwork, safety, and attention to detail are on every project. I plan to stay with ChemTrack and continue growing professionally here in Alaska. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, eating good food, and making the most of life in the state I have always called home.

I recently completed my sophomore year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I also played on the UAF women’s basketball team.

I grew up in Houston and love to spend my time outdoors. That connection to the environment has deeply influenced my academic and career goals. I graduated from Houston High School as valedictorian and a multi-sport athlete. I am pursuing a degree in civil engineering with plans to specialize in environmental engineering.

Last summer I had the opportunity to intern with the Mat-Su Borough under an environmental engineer, where I learned a great deal about erosion control, fish passage, bridge surveying, and much more. My goal is to return to the Valley after graduation and build a career that allows me to contribute meaningfully to my home community. I am very thankful to AGC for helping me achieve my goals by aiding my college tuition.

I am a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in Wrangell, Utqiaġvik, and Valdez. Inspired by mechanicing in my youth, I became a mechanical engineer and eventually a construction project manager in rural Alaska. I have worked for the City of Valdez, the Valdez Fisheries Development Association, and the Cold Climate Housing Research Center. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in civil infrastructure engineering at UAF and am researching Alaska building materials as part of UAF’s Automated Construction and Advanced Materials Laboratory.

I am a student athlete at UAA pursuing a bachelor’s degree in project management and an associate’s degree in architectural engineering technologies. Growing up in Wasilla caused me to develop a strong work ethic and an appreciation for Alaska’s communities and outdoor environment. This is what ultimately led me to wanting to pursue a career in construction.

My career goal is to become a construction project manager who contributes to building and improving infrastructure across the state. I have already been able to gain valuable hands-on knowledge and experience of utility systems, teamwork, and job site safety while working for ENSTAR Natural Gas Company. The AGC scholarship will allow me to stay focused on my education and continue developing the skills needed to accomplish my goals.

I aim to become a project manager in Alaska within the next five years, with a long-term goal of building my own construction company to create a lasting legacy and provide jobs for my community.

Growing up playing hockey in Alaska showed me firsthand how local businesses support youth, and I am driven to one day mentor others and give back to the sport and community that shaped me.

By balancing hands-on construction experience with my higher education, I have developed a unique perspective on how management decisions directly impact workers, timelines, and project success.

Receiving the AGC scholarship funds will allow me to focus entirely on my studies without the financial strain of student loans, giving me the opportunity to master the skills needed to manage projects efficiently and contribute to the long-term growth of the Alaska community.

Since I was seven years old, I have been designing space. My first project was a wooden pallet play house. My house was built of six recycled pallets that my dad and I found on the side of the road. The rest of my summer was dedicated to building myself the best home I could make.

Many years later, I was able to give my passion its name. Architecture became something that I looked for everywhere I went. This led me to enroll in architecture-focused college classes, internships, and sustainable building courses abroad while in high school.

I plan to use the knowledge and passion I have of this field during my time at the University of Oregon’s architecture program. Through the program’s initiative and focus on sustainable building practices and intentional communities, I know that I will be supported in my passion for a greener future.

I am a senior at Eagle River High School. Next fall I plan to attend Clarkson University in New York, where I will be playing volleyball and studying mechanical engineering.

I have lived in Alaska my entire life and, while I am excited for the opportunity to leave and have new experiences, I am equally excited to return to Alaska in the future to put my education to use giving back to the Alaska community that raised me.

I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life and am so grateful for the support of the Associated General Contractors of Alaska as I do so.

Growing up in a military household, I was raised on the core values of the US Air Force. The third of which—and the one I took most to heart—is “Excellence in All We Do.”

In the pursuit of excellence, I moved to Alaska in search of a career that would be fitting for someone looking for an avenue to work hard, take pride in what they do, and be a part of something bigger than themselves. I found that career in Alaska’s construction industry and, with the help of this scholarship, I can further my education and become a more valuable asset to my team.

I am a Wasilla High School senior. Throughout my time in high school, I have had the benefit of being able to explore a variety of trades. I have taken small engines, auto, construction, woodworking, and the one I’m planning to pursue after high school: welding.

I want to weld because it challenges me in a different way than any other trade I’ve attempted. It’s always been something I can come back to, and I’ve been blessed to have amazing and supportive educators who helped turn my hobby into a passion. Because of this funding opportunity from AGC, my path is now becoming a reality.

Thank you to AGC of Alaska. I am honored to be one of the recipients of this scholarship. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be involved in one of the trades. I had the opportunity to take some training put on by the Kenai Peninsula Construction Academy and fell in love with welding. I plan to put my scholarship toward furthering my training at the local college and obtain my welding certification. In our great state, we have every sort of industry that needs welders, and I cannot wait to be a part of it.

I was born and raised in Alaska. From my early teens, I took priority in building my work ethic, credibility and self-discipline. With those, I repeatedly ended up in hands-on, active, and outdoor jobs.

Through my hard work at King Tech High School, I was handpicked for an internship in residential, new-construction electricity. All of my dedication led to my commitment to pursue electrical construction as a career.

It feels extremely rewarding seeing all of my learning and efforts bring an impact to my community. At 18 years old, I am beginning my apprenticeship and can’t wait to see where it takes me.

I am a lifelong Alaskan. Living in such a beautiful state has taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. I have always been fascinated by how things are built, which inspired my goal of becoming a millwright in the construction industry.

Over the past few years, I gained hands-on experiences where I learned about building techniques, machine operation, and workplace safety. These experiences solidified my passion for the field.

Receiving an AGC scholarship will greatly support my education and training, allowing me to become a skilled millwright. More importantly, it will enable me to give back to my community and inspire other young Alaskans to pursue careers in construction. I am excited about the future and look forward to making a positive impact in my community and state.