Exclusive $2,000 Benefit for Member Companies
By Lynda Pomeroy, OCA Director, Membership & Advancement Foundation
In 2022, an OCA member suggested contractors would appreciate financial support to engage young talent just coming out of high school – including those interested in entering the trades.
In response, in 2023, the OCA Advancement Foundation (Advancement Foundation) introduced a benefit of OCA membership for member firms – the OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship Program (Legacy Scholarship), a program that complements other long-established OCA scholarship programs that have historically been limited to upper classmen pursuing traditional college degrees emphasizing heavy/civil construction.
The Legacy Scholarship benefits those who are already part of the heavy/civil industry workforce … those who have made the industry part of their own lives … like you, to participate as sponsors. The program encourages member firms to reach out to known recent/soon-to-be high school graduates or G.E.D. recipients and extend a personal “invitation” to join our industry by sponsoring them for the scholarship.
In Fiscal Year 2026, a selection committee comprised of 12 OCA members awarded 18 individuals a total of $36,000 to explore careers in the heavy/civil industry.
The program is intended to be flexible enough to apply to a wide variety of real-life situations:
- As a benefit to top-performing employees who might want to “invite” their child, niece/nephew, grandchild into the industry
- A person who has worked for the company after school or on weekends, and who is championed by the company
- The company is free to apply to sponsor a special candidate known to them, provided they are at the very beginning of their career journey
So, which OCA member companies invited new talent into their firms by sponsoring a $2,000 OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship in FY26?
HERE’S HOW THIS WORKS:
Applying is as Easy as 1-2-3!
Here is what you need to know:
OCA member completes a recommendation form – available at this QR code – indicating their interest in sponsoring a particular candidate. Sponsorship includes a commitment to foster a connection with the candidate through summer employment, or whatever appropriate schedule works for the OCA member and the candidate; the intent is to keep the candidate engaged with the industry between the first and second years of education/training.
Sponsor forwards the application link – at this QR code – to student.
- Candidate completes and submits the application forwarded to them by their OCA-member sponsor; the link to the application is provided on the OCA member recommendation form.
- OCA evaluates recommendations and makes awards:
- First consideration is given to OCA member firms who have not yet participated in the program
- Special attention will be given to include as many OCA Chapter areas as possible
- OCA will provide a $2,000 scholarship check in awarded candidate’s name; this will be sent to the OCA member, along with a certificate to be used when presenting the check to the student
Awards are announced in December and in June.
1. SPONSOR: The Ruhlin Co.
“Ryan Miller has shown interest in the construction industry from a young age! Due to a program offered at his high school, he was able to work with Ruhlin while still attending high school. Upon graduation, Ryan started attending Kent State, in their Construction Management Program. He has continued to express interest in Ruhlin and ended up securing a summer internship with us. During his internship, he has shown his willingness to go above and beyond for his work. He has taken advantage of any extracurricular opportunity offered to our interns and I know he is very involved on campus in the Construction Management Student Organization. He has had a chance to work in multiple divisions here at Ruhlin, really giving him a well-rounded experience in our industry. Additionally, Ryan continues to express interest in continuing to work at Ruhlin and will be working part-time this fall while going to school.” – Jackie Cooper, Project Controls Manager
From left, The Ruhlin Co. Project Controls Manager Jackie Cooper, Ryan Miller & The Ruhlin Co. President Jim Ruhlin Jr.
Student Ryan Miller
“I grew up around construction when I was a kid, and I always thought it was the coolest thing ever. Because of that, I wanted to get into construction so I could do something I have always wanted to do. My brother and my father both work in the industry – they are the reason why I love it and why it is what I want to do in life.”
“For Tyler Bing’s internship this summer, he has been paired with a mentor. Tyler’s mentor is Noah Meek. We first connected with Tyler at The University of Akron Career Fair, where he immediately stood out to us. Tyler was personable, well-prepared, and had conducted thorough research on Ruhlin in advance. Based on our interactions with Tyler, we are confident he will excel in any division at Ruhlin.” – Jennifer Watson, Director of Human Resources
From left, Tyler Bing & The Ruhlin Co. President Jim Ruhlin Jr.
Student Tyler Bing
“When I was a kid, I used to tell my parents that I wanted to draw pictures and then build them, and that always stayed with me. I operated heavy equipment while I was in high school and built greenhouses as well. Since then, I knew that I wanted to work as a team and in the construction field.”
2. SPONSOR: Independence Excavating Inc.
“Nicolas (Nico) Briceno is a very driven and hard-working student. I have had the pleasure of witnessing his resilience and passion for the construction industry throughout his time with the organization. He possesses outstanding character and brings energy and dedication to his daily work. I am pleased to recommend Nico for this scholarship! – Tracy Thomas, Corporate Recruiter/Co-op Program Coordinator
From left, Nico Briceno & Independence Excavating Inc. Co-Op Program Manager Tracy Thomas
Student Nico Briceno
“I have always been a very visual person, which is one of the main reasons the construction industry has appealed to me. I enjoy being part of projects that have a real, tangible impact on people’s everyday lives, especially when I can physically see the progress and the result of that work. Another aspect that draws me to the construction field is the constant problem-solving it requires. Through my internship experience, I have seen firsthand that there are always challenges to overcome, and often there is no single “right” way to solve them. This environment encourages creativity and critical thinking, which I find both engaging and rewarding.”
3. SPONSOR: Beaver Companies
“Zak Saleh is currently a Co-Op with us coming from Kent State majoring in Construction Management with an expected graduation date of May 2029. We are excited to have Zak working with us this summer and assisting in his development.” – Donald Cramer, Talent and Development
From left, Beaver Companies President Betsy Sterling, Zak Saleh & Beaver Companies President Matt Sterling
Student Zak Saleh
“I believe that the heavy/highway construction industry is a necessity to everyday life. It is a means of transportation, but it is also the result of a large amount of work that not many people know about. The amount of energy and effort that goes into something so important is very appealing to me. I also am inspired by the idea that the work I’m doing can help people do almost anything from traveling to seeing family and friends.”
4. SPONSOR: Turn-Key Tunneling Inc.
“Thomas Kitchen is super reliable. He has never missed a day or been late to work. When the alarm clock rings – he is always there to answer the bell!! Thomas brought with him a knowledge of torch cutting and welding learned through high school career tech. He continues to develop these skillsets, and has even offered to assist older, more tenured employees as they also learn these trades. We look forward to seeing how far Thomas will go, as he is definitely a shining star that sticks out in all the muck and grime that the tunneling business has to offer.” – Brian Froehlich, President
From left, Turn-Key Tunneling Inc. President Brian Froehlich & Thomas Kitchen
Student Thomas Kitchen
“Having the opportunity to meet several highway construction contractors opened my eyes to the industry. It is one that is booming with growth and opportunity, as well as amazing people and colleagues; I couldn’t imagine going any other route. I will fit in because of my desire to grow as a person and worker, as well as my willingness and love for learning new things and broadening my skills. I am a hard worker and someone who does not give in even on hard days.”
5. SPONSOR: John R. Jurgensen Co.
“Corbin Simpson has performed many job shadows within heavy/highway during his high school years (quality control, equipment operations, welding, parts and surveying). He has always shown a strong interest in joining a trade and ultimately knows that heavy/highway is a great career path for him. Corbin plans on attending Cincinnati State for Construction Management and, if not able to afford it initially, will start working in the field (laboring or welding) until he is able to save up and take night classes. He is a team player, extremely respectful, a hard worker and just a great young man. He has a great opportunity to join this amazing industry.” – Chris Simpson, Director of HR
From left, John R. Jurgensen Companies Director of H.R. Chris Simpson & Corbin Simpson
Student Corbin Simpson
“My father and a few close family friends have worked in highway construction – my father for over 15 years. I have had the chance to see different jobsites, locations and shadow with different areas, and I know that this type of work will be great for me. I learned that this industry has so much stability and I want a career. I know that if I work hard and safe I will have the chance to better myself. I love the outdoors and playing sports. I think that working outdoors with my hands and being part of a team is something that I would enjoy doing.”
6. SPONSOR: Keller North America Inc.
“Jenny King is a recent high school graduate who transitioned into the construction industry. She is daughter to Jason King, an IUOE Local 18 superintendent for Keller North America. She currently is a field technician collaborating with the project team to perform layout and assist in drilling logs. She has a great attitude and strong work ethic and has expressed interest in furthering her education in construction management.” – Michael Culbertson, Area Manager
Student Jenny King
“I chose the construction industry because I enjoy working with a team and as a team. Hearing about all the teamwork used on each job was the most appealing factor to me. Having a problem and working together to solve it, while learning from it, is something I find joy in doing. With my dad, Jason King, who is a superintendent for Keller and my uncle, Zach Greene, who is a superintendent for Michels Corp., I have always been inspired by the number of problem-solving skills they have. I would like to climb the corporate ladder with Keller.”
7. SPONSOR: Brumbaugh Construction Inc.
“Brandt Patton is the son of one of our supervisors and is graduating from Versailles High School. He plans to pursue a degree in business and will be working for us this summer. I personally know Brandt, and he has a tremendous work ethic and will be successful at whatever he puts his mind to!” – Joe Raterman, President
From left, Brumbaugh Construction Inc.’s Ben Patton, Brandt Patton & Brumbaugh Construction Inc. President Joe Raterman.
Student Brandt Patton
“My dad, Ben Patton, who works at Brumbaugh as a supervisor, has worked in the heavy/highway industry as long as I can remember. I’ve always been interested in what he’s done for work. I remember being a kid and him coming home and showing me prints of jobs he was working. Since I’ve always had an interest in the industry, I decided to pursue a career in it.”
8. SPONSOR: Beaty Construction Inc.
“Brant Davis started working for Beaty Construction in May 2024. He started in the Yard operations area as a Laborer. He is a very bright and conscientious young man, with a great deal of potential in his future. He is dedicated to learning as much as he can in the construction industry and has a high work ethic.” – Eric Coburn, Vice President of Operations
Beaty Construction Inc.’s Brant Davis
Student Brant Davis
“I love bridge building and want to learn every aspect of it. My family has five generations in heavy/highway construction, and I have learned a lot. I want to go as far as I can while learning the ropes. I have several relatives – my dad, grandfather, cousins and uncles – who have all been part of the team at Beaty Construction.”
9. SPONSOR: Oglesby Construction Inc.
“Braden Barman has exemplified the hard-working, honest and ethical values every employer is looking for. He was one of the first ‘kids’ in Ohio to utilize the mentorship program enacted by House Bill 33 when he started working for us; he was only 16 while being mentored by his cousin who is a foreman for our Concrete Division. Braden is currently in his first year in the construction management program at BGSU and he will work for us during the summers of his college years with the hopes of a full-time position upon graduation.” – Tony Whitacre, CFO
From left, Oglesby Construction Inc. President Travis Barman, Braden Barman & Oglesby Construction Inc. CFO Tony Whitacre
Student Braden Barman
“I have always had interest in this industry since I was a little kid. Watching four of my family members, including my Dad and Grandpa, my whole life while they were running the family business made me have the drive to do the same as them. I think I will fit in because I have learned so much about this industry growing up and my knowledge of it started much earlier than most.”
10. SPONSOR: Shelly & Sands Inc.
“Wyatt Brobst is a first-year apprentice. His father is working on the road with him.” – Dana Bowling, HR Manager
Student Wyatt Brobst
“ I chose heavy equipment operating because I’ve always loved the machines and my dad has been in the Operators 20+ years.”
“Luke Castello just started working for us and is on the same crew as his father. He is a great guy and picks up quickly on what needs to be done. Luke is in our Concrete Division working on joint repairs.” – Dana Bowling, HR Manager
Student Luke Castello
“My father and some great friends work at Shelly & Sands. It is a great company, with great people/family, and is a good place to start and stay for a lifelong employment opportunity. I hope to work here until retirement.”
11. SPONSOR: Barbicas Construction Co. Inc.
“Bryson Giles returned to Barbicas Construction as a second-year employee while still in high school. He worked last year and this year assisting shop staff with small tasks … cleaning work areas for mechanics and cleaning up tools throughout the day. Bryson has shown improvement from year to year as he grasps the knowledge and experiences set before him. He is following in his father’s footsteps; Bryson’s father is actively employed as a project manager with Barbicas Construction. It is the plan for Bryson to continue his HS education to obtain his degree, and then to work in the trades with Barbicas Construction.” – Marvilla Miller, Controller
From left, Barbicas Construction Co. Inc. Controller Marvilla Miller, Bryson Giles & Jared Giles
Student Bryson Giles
“I have done summer work at Barbicas Construction for two years, and plan to pursue a career in heavy/highway construction. My Dad works here as a project manager. I can tell he enjoys his work and the workers.”
“Ava Winters joined our team this year with great ambition to learn. She has many family members that have been in the trades, including her father who actively works for Barbicas in management and a grandfather who retired from the Operating Engineers with over 30+ years. She is actively working in our shop keeping it organized while maintaining a positive attitude and desire to learn new tasks. Ava does not shy away from a task; she digs in and gets it accomplished. Ava shows potential to be a future leader.” – Marvilla Miller, Controller
From left, Barbicas Construction Co. Inc.’s Valas Winters, Ava Winters & Barbicas Construction Co. Inc. Controller Marvilla Miller
Student Ava Winters
“I have grown up around the industry, and know it can be a really good living if you are willing to work hard … and I am. This is my first job at Barbicas, where I am starting in the shop. I have multiple generations of family in the industry, including my grandfather, my uncle and my Dad, Valas Winters, who works here at Barbicas.”
12. SPONSOR: Complete General Construction Co.
“Gavin Mount played baseball for my team for seven years and just graduated. Complete General sponsored him for the Operators Apprenticeship Program and he started last week. Gavin has always been hardworking, and we look forward to him becoming a member of our Team as an operator.” – Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
From left, Complete General Construction Co. Chief Engineer Mike Obert & Gavin Mount
Student Gavin Mount
“I grew up around people who have worked their fair share of highway construction. I always had an appreciation for what they do, and I wanted to be like these people.”
“Conner McKenzie is a first-year apprentice for us as an operator. Conner just completed and received his CDL. He just started operating our bridge groover for us since he received his CDL, which is a specialized piece of equipment that needed a new operator.” – Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
From left, Complete General Construction Co. Chief Engineer Mike Obert, Connor McKenzie & CGC’s Facility Superintendent Nate McCune.
Student Connor McKenzie
“I chose to join the heavy/highway pathway in construction because, I enjoy running equipment and learning the safest routes to take in completing a job. I believe I will fit in with a great work ethic and a willingness to learn something new every single day.”
“Chase Greer is a young man that just started working with Complete General. He is willing to learn and is a very hard-working employee.”
– Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
From left, Complete General Construction Co. Chief Engineer Mike Obert & Chase Greer
Student Chase Greer
“The reason I joined heavy/highway construction is because I have always dreamed of doing construction. I have relatives working for Complete General Construction – my stepdad, cousin and uncle. After completing my training, I would like to become a foreman here.”
“Keegan has worked for us for a little under a year, while he completes his GED. He helps build forms, load trucks with a forklift and completes various other tasks around the yard. He will soon be going out in the field, working on one of our bridge crews.” – Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
From left, Complete General Construction Co.’s Keegan Karns & CGC’s Facility Superintendent Nate McCune.
Student Keegan Karns
“I enjoy working with my hands and plan to make this a career. My goal is to become a foreman.”
The Ohio Contractors Association Advancement Foundation (OCAAF) was created in 2013 by OCA Board of Directors members to power OCA cornerstone initiatives that strengthen the industry by:
- Building awareness regarding jobs and career opportunities in the industry
- Providing development and advancement opportunities through education and training for both today’s and future workers
- Maximizing our ability to offer scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in the heavy/highway industry.
In 2018, thanks to your extraordinary generosity and that of others who, like you, have an eye toward the future of our industry, an endowment fund was established – a $1.6 million foundation upon which to grow.
Each year, growth from that $1.6M has generated funds to power OCA marquee programs that align with the Advancement Foundation’s purpose, like: The Rich DiGeronimo Constructor For A Day, OCA’s Scholarship and OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship programs.
Today, the OCA Advancement Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees that includes Chair Nick DiGeronimo (Independence Excavating Inc.) and trustees Mike Dinneen (Agg Rok Materials), Matt Malone (Kurtz Bros Inc.), Parr Peterson (The Paul Peterson Co., retired) and Jim Ruhlin Sr. (The Ruhlin Co.). Total assets of the Advancement Foundation invested into the fund as of June 30, 2026 were $2,685,418.03.
The endowment fund established in 2018 remains secure, alive and growing, offering industry-specific opportunities to enhance OCA’s workforce development and awareness programs.
OCA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR CHAPTER & HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIPS
While applications for OCA-Membership Legacy Scholarships are accepted throughout the year, the application period for two other OCA scholarship programs for the 2026-2027 academic year is closing October 30.
Whether you are a current college student or know someone preparing for a career in construction, now is the time to apply for OCA Chapter Scholarships or OCA Hall of Fame Scholarships. The association’s scholarship programs provide financial aid to students pursuing careers in construction management, civil engineering, engineering technology and other heavy/highway-related fields.
Because the scholarship programs have varying application requirements, visit the OCA Scholarship Program page on the association’s website at this QR Code for more information.
OCA encourages its members to share these scholarship opportunities with students, interns, employees and their families to help build the future workforce of Ohio’s heavy/highway industry.