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 introduced a new benefit of OCA membership – the OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship Program, 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 Program is an award granted to OCA member firms. The program looks to 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 an “invitation” to join our industry by sponsoring them for the scholarship.
The program is intended to be flexible enough to apply to a wide variety of situations:
• As a benefit to top-performing employees who might want to “invite” their child, niece/nephew, grandchild into the industry
• A young 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
APPLYING IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3! HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
1. OCA member completes a recommendation form indicating their interest in sponsoring a particular candidate. Just click the following web address: https://form.jotform.com/242254532640147 – links are now live. 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 this application link to student: https://form.jotform.com/231005644651145.
2. Candidate completes and submits the application forwarded to them by their OCA-member sponsor; the link to the application is above and is provided on the OCA member recommendation form.
3. OCA evaluates applications and makes awards:
- First consideration is given to OCA member firms that 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 each 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 November and May. If you apply and do not receive an award in November, your candidate will automatically be considered in May.
1. SPONSOR: Barbicas Construction Co. Inc.
Marvilla Miller, Controller
“Brody Winters attended Portage Lakes Career Center in Uniontown. Brody came to work for Barbicas last summer doing small jobs in our shop and on our premises. He continued to work for Barbicas after school and on weekends. Brody has many family members who have retired from, and many who still work in, the trades. He is attending the H.S. Career Training Program. Brody has displayed a strong work ethic and has shown a great interest in learning all aspects of the business.”
STUDENT: Brody Winters
“My father and grandfather have both been in the trades, as well as many other members of my family. My grandfather has been my greatest inspiration. He was in the Operating Engineers and retired after 50-plus years. He showed me what hard work and dedication stand for.”
2. SPONSOR: Beaver Excavating Co.
Donald Cramer, Talent & Development
“Sam Comparda’s mother (Jennifer Comparda) is a long-time employee of Beaver Excavating working in our Accounts Payable Dept. Sam is a senior at (Massillon) Washington High School. He has been part of their Career Tech Program for the last three years doing Construction Technologies. Sam has been accepted into Stark State (College) but plans to eventually transfer to the University of Akron. He is pursuing a degree in construction management.”
STUDENT: Sam Comparda
“I have chosen the construction industry because in my time in my construction class this type of construction has appealed to me much more than any other kind. I like to get to be a part of the construction that people notice and the kind where I can make an impact on the daily person’s life. I think I’ll fit in because I have a passion for the industry. I am a very hard worker and I believe that I am capable of going very far in the industry because of my work ethic and my skill set.”
3. SPONSOR: Beaver Excavating Co.
Donald Cramer, Talent & Development
“Justin Hill’s father (Rob Hill) is a long-time employee at Beaver Excavating working in our Purchasing Dept. Justin is a senior at (Massillon) Perry High School. He is part of ‘Project Lead the Way’ getting experiences in civil engineering. Justin has been accepted into Mount Union University and will be a student-athlete, playing soccer. He plans to major in civil engineering.”
STUDENT: Justin Hill
“Upon completing my education, I plan to apply for a full-time position in whatever area of the heavy/civil construction industry suits me best. I hope to gain experience through co-ops for four years to find what area is most appealing for the rest of my life. My father’s career path has inspired my own. Growing up I saw him change jobs a few times to find the position that he enjoyed. Seeing that inspired me to start my process as soon as possible.”
4. SPONSOR: Complete General Construction Co.
Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
“Austin Anderson just finished high school and Complete General is helping him get into the Laborer’s union. He is currently working on one of our underground crews.”
STUDENT: Austin Anderson
“I received my GED and chose heavy/civil construction. A friend got me interested and I wanted to learn more about the industry. I plan to work for Complete General.”
5. SPONSOR: Complete General Construction Co.
Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
“Hunter Meade just graduated from high school and Complete General helped get him into the Operator’s union. He is currently working with one of our underground crews.”
STUDENT: Hunter Meade
“My grandpa and my father were both in trades. I plan to work as an Operating Engineer through Local 18 for Complete General Construction Co.”
6. SPONSOR: Complete General Construction Co.
Mike Obert, Chief Engineer
“Gavin Wiggard just graduated from high school. Complete General helped him get into the Operating Engineers Local 18. He is now working on one of our underground crews.”
STUDENT: Gavin Wiggard
“I chose the heavy/civil industry because of how much it can impact my life, and because of all the great things I can learn and perform on different types of jobs. I plan to operate heavy machinery.”
7. SPONSOR: Foust Construction Inc.
Charles Foust III, President
“Trent Leggi just graduated from high school and had no real direction for a future career. He just recently started working for Foust Construction and seems to enjoy the work. We find real potential in Trent and are getting ready to sign him in the hall as an apprentice.”
STUDENT: Trent Lieggi
“I chose this industry because I am a hard working and a fast learner. I also like the pay scale. I plan to continue on with Foust Construction Inc.”
8. SPONSOR: Independence Excavating Inc.
Tracy Thomas, Corporate Recruiter/Co-Op Program Coordinator
“David Cox, a recent high school graduate, is a bright young man who is looking forward to studying engineering at the University of Cincinnati in the fall. David’s mom works for Independence.”
STUDENT: David Cox
“I am interested in the heavy/civil construction industry because I want to apply my skills to make the world a better place. I believe I can use my skills in math and science in the heavy/civil construction industry to create a more sustainable world that is more responsibly built and lessens our impact on the world.”
9. SPONSOR: Independence Excavating Co.
Tracy Thomas, Corporate Recruiter/Co-Op Program Coordinator
“Ben Hegler, a recent high school graduate, has worked for Independence during the summers for the past two summers. He is a hard-working student-athlete who is looking forward to continuing his academics and athletics at Ohio Northern University this fall. Ben’s dad works for Independence.”
STUDENT: Benjamin Hegler
“I have chosen to pursue the construction industry because of the hands-on nature of the work and the abundance of math it contains. When looking for a future career, those are two of the main things I am looking for. I would like to be able to see projects I eventually work on and be able to say that I helped create them. I have been impressed with the projects I have seen during my summer jobs with Independence Excavating and would love to be part of something similar one day.”
10. SPONSOR: Independence Excavating Co.
Tracy Thomas, Corporate Recruiter/Co-Op Program Coordinator
“Recent high school graduate, Kaden Woods, is a smart young man who is excited to attend college. His dad works for Independence.”
STUDENT: Kaden Woods
“I have chosen the safety side of the heavy/civil construction industry. I feel like it would be a fun job for me. I also want to keep people safe and protected from being injured on the jobsite. I think I will fit in because it can be hands-on and that is a great strength of mine. My dad, Timothy Woods, is a heavy equipment operator. He inspires me to be my best and to always work hard. He also inspires me to learn something new all the time.” (Photo unavailable)
11. SPONSOR: KT Holden Construction
Kate Holden, President
“Eric came to KT in the fall of 2023 to job shadow one our project managers. Eric went to high school with the project manager’s sons and was undecided on what career path he wanted to take – heavy/civil or electrical. After one year of college, Eric requested that he intern with KT for the summer of 2025. Within a few days, Eric expressed how interesting and neat our industry is, and that he could see himself pursuing a career in the heavy/civil industry. Eric has demonstrated sharp problem-solving skills and a great attitude. He is typically the first person on the job in the morning and always willing to go the extra mile. Seeing someone so young show interest in this industry is refreshing. KT will be doing their part to provide Eric with a well-rounded experience so that he will continue to pursue a career in this amazing industry!”
STUDENT: Eric Swails
“I have chosen heavy/civil construction because of the impact it has on people. Every day, almost everyone uses utilities/roads that were manufactured/produced by a heavy/civil construction company, and I think that it is something very interesting to be a part of. I plan on joining the industry as a project manager or as an operator in the heavy/civil field. I am currently working as an intern for KT Holden Construction. It is a summer job and I am happy in my current role. I like being able to help people where I can and hopefully make construction a fulfilling part of my life. Both Connie Davies and Kate Holden inspire me to do better in the construction industry.”
12. SPONSOR: Vernon Nagel Inc.
Morgan Montgomery, Vice President
“A recent graduate of Clyde High School and Vanguard Career Center, Olivia is a motivated young professional who will be entering construction management at Vernon Nagel in the fall. As an alumnus of both – mentoring Olivia as she transitions into her future career has been important. As a bright young mind, Olivia holds the right tools to serve Ohio’s construction industry well.”
STUDENT: Olivia Konves
“I have chosen the heavy/civil industry because building America has always been one of my greatest passions. I enjoy learning about all of the aspects of building a road that connects people and communities daily. Without the heavy/civil industry, transportation of people and goods would be impossible. I think I will fit in because the industry is full of people as passionate about keeping the world moving as I am; I am excited every day to be a part of something so essential to the world. After I complete my education, my plan is to continue working with Vernon Nagel Inc. Someone in the industry who inspires me is the Vernon Nagel Vice President, Morgan Montgomery. His knowledge of both the field and behind the scenes office work is extensive. He always pushes for the best outcome for his employees and staff.”
The Ohio Contractors Association Advancement Foundation (OCAAF) was created in 2013 by members of the Ohio Contractors Association Board of Directors to power OCA initiatives that will strengthen the industry by:
- Building awareness about jobs and career opportunities in the industry
- Providing development and advancement opportunities through education and training for workers – both today’s and future workers
- Maximizing our ability to offer scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in the highway/heavy 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 endowment 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 Hall of Fame Scholarship and the OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship programs.
Today, the OCAAF is overseen by a Board of Trustees, with 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.). At the OCAAF’s most-recent trustee meeting, the total assets of the Advancement Foundation were $266,136.20. Despite an extended period of unprecedented market volatility and allowing for the many grants already awarded by the board, the endowment fund established in 2018 is secure, alive and growing, offering industry-specific opportunities to enhance OCA’s workforce development and awareness programs.