The Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) celebrated its annual Build Our Future Scholarship awards ceremony on May 14. The event, hosted by Clayco, demonstrated the CCDI 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.
Founded by Clayco after the 2014 Ferguson unrest, 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 state Sen. 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. The recipients will benefit from personalized support from CCDI leadership, including help with internships, mentoring, and career placement assistance.
The ceremony also recognized 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.
