The Ventura County Contractors Association’s (VCCA) Construction Education Fund created the Ray Prueter Scholarship designed to aid students in the local community who seek to continue an education towards a career in the construction field. The scholarship fund is financed through the VCCA’s 2008 Summer Golf Tourney and contributions from more than 700 VCCA members.

In 2008, VCCA teamed with the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to award $17,000 in scholarships to students pursuing a career in the construction industry.

“The goal of the VCCA Construction Education Scholarship Committee is to ensure that vocationally oriented students have the opportunity and support to begin a career in the construction area,” said Laurie Bennett, VCCA Construction Education Scholarship Committee chair.

“We feel it is important help local students with the funds necessary to pursue an education in the construction field, so that they can come back to our community and contribute to this exciting industry,” said Tommy Tatangelo, president of VCCA.

Candidates must qualify according to set criteria:

• Applicants must be pursuing a career in construction, which shall include, but is not limited to, architecture, engineering surveying, construction management and the building trades.

• Applicants must be, or have been enrolled, in a Tri-County area high school (Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles), college or an accredited construction-related trade school or apprentice-training program in 2008

• Applicants must meet the minimum criteria established in the application package. Selection of a recipient will be on an achievement or merit basis as determined by the application, transcripts (GPA), moral and leadership qualities.

Applications are due by April 24, 2009 and are available online at www.vccainc.com, or at the VCCA office at 1830 Lockwood St., Suite 110 in Oxnard.

The VCCA Construction Education Committee and NAWIC will announce scholarship recipients at a joint awards dinner on May 19, 2009.

About the Ventura County Contractors Association
Established in 1946, the Ventura County Contractors Association (VCCA) represents construction America at its best in our local community. Committed to dedication, education and specialization, VCCA has become a powerful tool not only for the local construction industry but for the local community as well.

A non-profit membership association of qualified general contractors, subcontractors, building material suppliers and many other leading construction industry businesses, current membership encompasses more than 700 members.