The student chapter members at Pittsburg State University proudly nominated Shannon Nicklaus for the MCAA 2024-2025 Educator of the Year based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through the MCA of Kansas City. In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award during the MCAA25 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Wednesday, March 5th.
The $5,000 award was underwritten by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). MCAA thanks JRGF for their generous support of this award and the student chapter program as a whole.
ABOUT THE WINNER
“Shannon consistently goes above and beyond the typical duties of a faculty advisor by actively advocating for the betterment of students both within and beyond the chapter.”
“Shannon is always fighting to provide more resources and opportunities for students. His dedication is clear in the way he continuously pushes for improvements that benefit not only the chapter, but the entire student body.”
“Shannon transforms more than just his students’ career opportunities; he also creates an environment, both in the classroom and within our student chapter, where we develop friendships, confidence in the professionals we are becoming, and the life skills to successfully navigate adulthood. This makes him not just an instructor, but a trusted mentor during our pivotal college years.”
– Aidan Wolownik – Pittsburg State University Student Chapter President
Recruiting
Shannon takes great pride in the members of the MCA Student Chapter at Pittsburg State University and works tirelessly to continuously bring top students into the organization. Shannon has transformed chapter meetings by creating an environment where students can gain information from industry professionals, meet new people and learn about the mechanical industry. Additionally, Shannon ensures the chapter has the best of opportunities, such as attending the GreatFutures Forum, MCAA Convention, WiMI Conference plus all of the events put on by MCA KC. These events allow chapter members to network with contractors, professors, and students locally and from across the country. These experiences not only help chapter members learn more about the mechanical industry, but he also makes sure that when the group travels to a new city that they do something fun. The stories and pictures from past events help to recruit new members and help the chapter build a bond.
“Shannon is a leader at helping our chapter develop relationships and lifelong friendships within our student chapter. Who doesn’t want to be a part of something that great?”
Employment Opportunities
Shannon plays a crucial role in connecting student chapter members with MCAA contractors by organizing events that foster direct engagement. Student chapter meetings often feature local contractors, which builds meaningful industry relationships. Rather than simply providing contacts, Shannon actively facilitates relationships, helping students secure internships, job offers and mentorships in the mechanical industry.
Through Shannon’s efforts and connections this past year, he has successfully assisted over ten students with getting internships in mechanical, leading to six full-time job offers. He goes above and beyond to help students find opportunities by personally reaching out to companies through his strong relationships within the mechanical contracting industry. Companies trust his judgment and often open new positions, based on his recommendations, knowing that the students he advocates for are highly capable and will be well-prepared.
His dedication is a key factor in expanding employment opportunities for students in the mechanical contracting industry at Pittsburg State University.
Leadership
Shannon’s leadership style with the Pittsburg State student chapter is marked by a collaborative and empowering approach. He consistently creates an environment where students feel valued and encouraged to take initiative, allowing students to contribute to the chapter’s success.
“Shannon ultimately leads by example. He is always approachable and willing to offer guidance, but also trusts the chapter’s officers to make decisions and manage chapter operations. His emphasis on teamwork and open communication fosters a strong sense of responsibility among members.”
Congratulations to Pittsburg State’s Shannon Nicklaus on being awarded the 2024-2025 Educator of the Year!
At the MCAA25 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 5th, Pittsburg State University was awarded the 2024-2025 MCAA Student Chapter of the Year award for their continued achievement and overall focus on offering career opportunities in mechanical contracting to their student membership.
They received a trophy and a $10,000 award underwritten by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). MCAA thanks JRGF for their generous support of this award and the student chapter program as a whole.
ABOUT THE WINNER
Sponsoring Local Affiliate: MCA of Kansas City
Stacy Zerr – Executive Director
Jacki Conn – Deputy Executive Director
Jamie Mikelson – Office Manager
Kathleen Livingston – Outreach Manager
Faculty Advisor
Shannon Nicklaus
Career Development
Pittsburg State University is heavily involved with their local mechanical contractors and the chapter is supported by the MCA of Kansas City (MCAKC). Student chapter members participated in the following local events this past year:
MCAKC Golf Tournament
MCAKC Intern Kick-Off Meeting
MCAKC Industry Orientation
MCAKC Summer Celebration
MCAKC Mastering Professional Etiquette
MCAKC Sand Volleyball Team
MCAKC Kansas City Night Dinner
MCAKC Manpower and Scheduling Workshop
MCAKC Prefab Workshop
MCAKC Safety Workshop
MCAKC Project Management Workshop
The chapter also participated in a site visit to the Kansas City Technology Center. Students got to see the mechanical systems inside the 30,000-square-foot facility. The size and setup of the systems stood out to chapter members and gave them a better understanding of how everything works together on a larger scale.
Recruitment
The chapter used several methods to recruit new members this year. One successful method had members focus on talking with freshman on campus, sharing the basic differences between general contracting and mechanical, as well as sharing personal experiences from their mechanical internships. The chapter works with MCA of KC to secure guest speakers at chapter meetings as well. Some classes, such as HVAC and Plumbing, have even signed off to offer extra credit to students who attend chapter meetings!
In addition, the chapter set up a booth at the Construction Program BBQ. Nineteen current members were available to help recruit underclassmen and those interested in learning more about what the chapter has to offer.
Student Chapter Fundraising
This year, the chapter focused its fundraising efforts on T-shirt sponsorship sales. Mechanical contractors could make a donation and have their logo printed on the back of chapter shirts.
Community Service
One especially notable opportunity for the Pittsburg State chapter was a service project with “Walkin’ and Rollin”. Chapter members designed an excavator Halloween costume for a young child who uses a walker and who otherwise wouldn’t be able to utilize the traditional store-bought Halloween costumes. The students spent over 20 hours constructing the costume and, although the recipient couldn’t speak on his own, his mother exclaimed with gratitude, “He loved it!” Learn more about their efforts here.
Congratulations to Pittsburg State University on this well-deserved recognition!
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program has been upgraded for 2025 to offer a new level of support for the multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry.
Employer Forms: Due April 1, 2025
These internship grants are intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program.
Due April 1, 2025, for 2025 planned internships, notifications in May.
Submitted by the company. One application per company location.
$1,000 grant (25 available)
8-week internship minimum may occur anytime during 2025.
Intern may be from any 2- or 4-year accredited college or university.
Following the internship, a photo must be submitted with the intern on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
Affiliated Associations Forms: Due April 1, 2025
Grants are intended to offer support for the development and growth of local student chapter programming that creates new employment opportunities or student inclusivity at events with potential employers, mentoring programs, or new student-focused resources.
Twenty-three students were recognized with a variety of scholarships and for the first time, the scholarship total reached $100,000! McMaster University emerged as the victors for the Student Chapter Competition and returned to campus with a $10,000 prize, sponsored by DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, following their Final Four presentation at MCAA25. The MVP – Most Valuable Presenter was awarded to Parker Jenkins from Pittsburg State University.
Pittsburg State University was selected as the 2024-2025 Student Chapter of the Year (also going home with $10,000) and their faculty advisor, Shannon Nicklaus, was recognized as the Educator of the Year with a $5,000 award. Two new chapters were also chartered at the MCAA Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Monday, March 5th.
JRGF Scholarships
Brian Helm, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), congratulated the recipients of the following scholarships at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA25. He noted that the students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills within their chapter, and interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry.
ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship Kaleb Kruse of Kansas State University is the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship provided by ATP Learning Solutions. The scholarship was established to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industry.
Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship Garvey France of Purdue University received a $2,500 scholarship check in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Trustees. Robert’s effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the United Association and the NCPWB resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program. The scholarship is in its third year and is sponsored by the NCPWB.
Josam Endowed Scholarship Tyler Currie of Alfred State College was awarded a $2,500 endowed scholarship. Provided that all qualification are met, Tyler will receive this scholarship again during his junior and senior years. Josam Company established this scholarship endowment to assist a student studying a major related to MCAA’s scope, who intends on pursuing a career within the mechanical contracting industry.
Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship Daniel Kellen of Iowa State University was awarded a $2,500 scholarship in memory of the former MCAA Director of Career Development, Ann Mattheis. Ann’s dedication and contributions to building the GreatFutures program left an enduring legacy for multiple decades of students and for the overall members of MCAA.
Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarships Braidyn Hudson and Preston McDonald, both from Indiana State University, each received a $2,500 scholarship check in memory of Alan P. O’Shea, former Executive Director of the MCA of New Jersey. The scholarship is sponsored by MCA of New Jersey.
Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarships Gina Carnovale of Kent State University and Bruno Portes of Fairleigh Dickinson University both received a $5,000 scholarship in memory of Robert “Bob” Armistead. In honor of Bob’s service as MCAA President, the selected winners are required to have served in the role as their local student chapter President. These scholarships were established by Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the Family of Robert T. Armistead.
William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Gabriel Biagioni of California State University, Chico received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of a former President of the foundation and MCAA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient, William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr. The scholarship is sponsored by Kinetics.
The Bolton Family Scholarship Shelby Gustafson of California State University, Chico was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to honor the significant contributions the Boltons have provided to the construction industry. This scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they serve in Rhode Island, notably their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvement with the Ronald McDonald House. The scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton family’s legacy.
Donald V. Brown, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Griffin Souder from Pittsburg State University is the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by D.V. Brown and Associates, Inc., and in memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior.
DEWALT Patriot Scholarships The DEWALT Patriot Scholarships, now in their fourth year, were created to recognize two veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career related to mechanical contracting. Thank you to DEWALT Industrial Tool Company for honoring our military and to our scholarship recipients for their service. Jaden Doebelin of Iowa State University (Iowa Army National Guard – Sergeant E-5 Military Occupational Special, Indirect Infantryman 11C) and Jeffrey Woodard of the University of Nebraska (United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class- Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist at 2nd Marine Division) each received a $5,000 scholarship.
EVAPCO, Inc. Engineering Scholarships Yulien Liz of Fairleigh Dickinson University and Jennifer Tartaglia from the University of Maryland, College Park each received a $5,000 scholarship. EVAPCO, Inc. designed this new scholarship to recognize students whose goal is to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering, or a field of study relevant to mechanical contracting / equipment manufacturing that supports the mechanical industry.
FERGUSON – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarships Olivia Kiefer from Iowa State University and Sophia Bernard from the University of Maryland, College Park each received a $5,000 scholarship, sponsored by Ferguson, to recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry. The two students will also be invited to attend the WiMI Conference in Kansas City this June.
Geiling Family Scholarship This new $5,000 scholarship was presented to Drew Figura from the University of Nebraska. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the plumbing and mechanical trades, helping to develop the next generation of industry leaders. The establishment of the scholarship represents a commitment to investing in the future of the plumbing and mechanical contracting community.
Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Kyla Magee from the University of Nebraska received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of the founder of our foundation, Foster McCarl, Jr.
Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship Brady Thompson from the University of Nebraska received a scholarship check for $5,000 in honor of Wayne, Emmett and Patrick Reilly. The John W. Danforth Company is the sponsor of the scholarship.
Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship Kavan Limbasiya of Pittsburg State University received a $5,000 check for a scholarship that was developed to recognize a student who is not only interested in mechanical contracting, but specifically someone with an interest in being a mechanical estimator upon graduation. Trimble is the sponsor of the scholarship and has also donated complimentary use of the Trimble Estimation MEP software for our student chapter competition teams for the past few years.
Viega – Scholarship Parker Jenkins of Pittsburg State University was the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega. Viega has graciously sponsored student chapter activities at the MCAA Convention for many years. The Viega scholarship is now in its third year.
Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship Aidan Wolownik of Pittsburg State University received a $5,000 scholarship check in honor of former MCA/MSCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner. This scholarship is in its fourth year and is sponsored by MCA/MSCA of Cleveland.
Educator of the Year
Shannon Nicklaus, faculty advisor for Pittsburg State University, was recognized as the 2024-2025 Educator of the Year. He was selected for this honor based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through their MCAA Affiliate, MCA of Kansas City. In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award.
Student Chapter of the Year
Pictured: Andrew Palcan (Career Development Committee Chair), Shannon Nicklaus (Faculty Advisor), Pittsburg State Students, Stacy Zerr (MCA of Kansas City), Kathleen Livingston (MCA of Kansas City), Rick Gopffarth (MCAA President).
Pittsburg State University was selected as the 2024-2025 Student Chapter of the Year. Their faculty advisor is Shannon Nicklaus and Affiliate Association is the MCA of Kansas City. The Career Development Committee chose the winner based on a rubric that evaluates industry-specific educational opportunities, fundraising and community service efforts, recruitment tactics, and most importantly, mechanical contracting interest. Pittsburg State University received a trophy and a $10,000 award.
MCAA Student Chapter Competition
McMaster University won the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on this year’s Student Chapter Competition project, which involved submitting a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the MCAA Medical Research Project in New York City. This included all piping, HVAC, Controls and additional work required by the bid documents.
New this year, we thank DEWALT Industrial Tool Company for sponsoring the prize money for the Student Chapter Competition.
It is also with gratitude that we thank Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation for supplying the project and our project partners Procore, Trimble and Ferguson for supplying real-life learning resources to the student participants.
California State University, Chico was the runner-up, placing second, and received a trophy and check for $5,000.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Pittsburg State University rounded out the final four. Each of these Honorable Mention finalists received a trophy and $2,500. Honorable mentions are listed in alphabetical order.
Six additional teams that just missed the final four were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order:
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Indiana State University
Kansas State University
Kent State University
University of Manitoba
University of Wisconsin–Stout
Most Valuable Presenter
Pictured: Andrew Palcan (Career Development Committee Chair), Jon Howland (DEWALT Industrial Tool Company), Parker Jenkins (MVP), Rick Gopffarth (MCAA President).
The Career Development Committee recognized the student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won. The audience members voted via a polling link between Final Four presentations and ultimately Parker Jenkins of Pittsburg State University was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card, a complimentary seat in MCAA’s Preparatory Institute for Project Management (Pre-IPM), and the title of 2024-2025 Most Valuable Presenter.
Student Chapter Charters
MCAA is proud of the substantial investments that all of us are making to further the education of the outstanding students represented in the student chapters. Two new chapters were chartered during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA25:
Arizona State University is sponsored by Arizona MCA and their faculty advisor is Timothy Becker. Pictured: Andrew Palcan (Career Development Committee Chair), Bob Felix (ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc.), Gary Lovewell (Southland Industries), Timothy Becker (Faculty Advisor), Arizona State University Students, Michelle Lynn (CPMCA/AMCA), Chip Martin (CPMCA/AMCA), Rick Gopffarth (MCAA President).The University of Manitoba is sponsored by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba and their faculty advisor is Meghan Guyot. Pictured: Andrew Palcan (Career Development Committee Chair), University of Manitoba Students, Ramona Coey (MCA of Manitoba), Ryan Mushumanski (ServcoCanada), Rick Gopffarth (MCAA President).
Congratulations to all MCAA25 award winners and scholarship recipients!
Over 175 students from 32 MCAA student chapters are registered for MCAA25. They will soon be scoping out MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board for companies they would like to meet with in Austin to discuss internships and entry-level, full-time positions. Post your job today and be sure to stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair outside the Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit to meet with potential candidates in person. Head over to the Connection Corner or Student Chapter Networking Reception for additional informal conversation opportunities with students.
‘Hire Me’ Job Fair Details
Sponsored by Viega Griffin Hall Foyer Tuesday, March 4th (7:00 – 10:00 AM)
Students seeking employment opportunities will be stationed at tables based on where they would like to find work, not necessarily where they’re located now. Tables will be separated geographically with flags signifying West, Central and East. Stop by the table that best fits your company’s location and find your next great hire.
Student Chapter Networking Reception
Sponsored by Viega Lone Star Ballroom Foyer East Sunday, March 2nd (4:30 – 6:00 PM)
Student chapter members are encouraged to head to the reception immediately following their Orientation to continue building their peer-to-peer relationships. Anyone involved with a student chapter or wanting to be involved is welcome to attend. Swing by and say hello to the future leaders of MCAA!
Connection Corner Schedule
An additional opportunity to connect with students is at the Connection Corner. This space is perfect for both contractor/student casual employment conversations as well as student peer-to-peer meetups for chapters looking to discuss best practices and share ideas.
Sunday, March 2: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday, March 3: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday, March 4: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, March 5: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday, March 6: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
MCAA25 Student Chapters
The following schools will be represented at MCAA25. Check out the “We’re Here Banner” in the Connection Corner for the most up to date listing of schools as they arrive in Austin.
Alfred State College
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Ball State University
Binghamton University
Bradley University
California State University, Chico
California State University, East Bay
California State University, Sacramento
California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Ferris State University
Illinois State University
Indiana State University
Iowa State University
Kansas State University
Kent State University
McMaster University
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Missouri State University
Oregon State University
Pittsburg State University
Purdue University
Riverside City College
University of Manitoba
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Nebraska
University of Wisconsin–Stout
Utica University
Virginia Tech
Washington State University
How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship
Login with an MCAA username and password.
Click on the job board within the Career Development page.
Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting.
Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh.
When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month.
Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume.
Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume.
From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process.
2025 Internship Grants Available for Employers
The 2025 Internship Grants for employers are intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program.
Applications are due April 1, 2025, for 2025 planned internships; notifications will be sent in May.
Submitted by the company. One application per company location.
$1,000 grant (25 total available), funded by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF).
8-week internship minimum may occur anytime during 2025.
Intern may be from any 2- or 4-year accredited college or university.
Following the internship, a photo must be submitted with the intern on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program has been upgraded for 2025 to offer a new level of support for the multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry.
Employer Forms: Due April 1, 2025
These internship grants are intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program.
Due April 1, 2025, for 2025 planned internships, notifications in May.
Submitted by the company. One application per company location.
$1,000 grant (25 available)
8-week internship minimum may occur anytime during 2025.
Intern may be from any 2- or 4-year accredited college or university.
Following the internship, a photo must be submitted with the intern on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
Affiliated Associations Forms: Due April 1, 2025
Grants are intended to offer support for the development and growth of local student chapter programming that creates new employment opportunities or student inclusivity at events with potential employers, mentoring programs, or new student-focused resources.
Due April 1, 2025 for 2025 plans, notifications in May.
Submitted by the Affiliated Association Executives. One application per Affiliated Association, covering all related student chapters.
$5,000 grant (5 available).
Student Chapter Grants: Complete for 2024 Employment
Check Back this Fall for 2025 Forms for Interns and Full-Time New Hires
Student Chapter Internship Grants are intended to offer additional support to student chapters that are connecting students with internship and full-time employment in the mechanical contracting industry. Chapters are encouraged to utilize this funding to bring additional students to conferences such as the GreatFutures Forum or MCAA Convention.
Student Chapter: Internship Grants
Due January 15, 2026 for calendar year 2025 interns, funds distributed in March.
Submitted by the Faculty or Industry Advisor – one application per chapter.
Up to $500 per intern (8-week internship minimum)
Photo must be submitted with the intern on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
Student Chapter: Internship Grants Full-Time New Hire
Due January 15, 2026 for calendar year 2025 full-time new hires, funds distributed in March.
Submitted by the Faculty or Industry Advisor – one application per chapter.
Up to $1,000 per full-time new hire.
Photo must be submitted with the new hire on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program has been upgraded for 2025 to offer a new level of support for the multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry. As a result, the 2024 Part 1 “Legacy” Grants offered to employers will be discontinued on January 31, 2025. Don’t miss out on your company’s final chance to submit your interns from calendar year 2024!
Due by January 31, 2025, and then will be discontinued.
Companies with 1 intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant. Companies with 2 or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant. Submit one form for each intern from 2024 to ensure they are eligible for a Part 2 grant upon graduation (full-time new hires).
Due by December 31, 2025, and then will be discontinued.
For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire in 2025, a $500 check will be mailed to the company, to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must have been included on a Part 1 list.
Updated 2025 Program – Employer Forms
Forms Due: April 1, 2025
These internship grants are intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program.
Twenty-seven MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the MCAA Medical Research Building Project. Congratulations to the Final Four and Merit Award teams. Final Four teams will present their proposals on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 4th on the main stage at MCAA25 in Austin, TX.
This is the 24th year of the MCAA Student Chapter Competition and the student teams were asked to submit a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor. This included all piping, HVAC, controls, and any other work required by the bid documents. Teams were also tasked with purchasing the equipment and materials and providing all the necessary labor to complete the entire project scope.
Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the competition project:
Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation (supplying the project)
DEWALT (sponsoring the competition prizes)
Procore (use of their Project Management software)
Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software)
Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe valves and fittings)
For a third year, Trimble will be providing a $5,000 scholarship to one competition Final Four participant who has expressed interest in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry. This scholarship will be presented at the MCAA25 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Wednesday, March 5th.
Visit the JRGF website for more information about the Trimble scholarship and the many other student scholarships that are available each year. To keep up with the latest on MCAA’s student chapter programming, visit MCAA’s Career Development Initiative page.
The MCAA Charitable Fund is collecting donations to help the members and residents is Southern California who have lost their homes and businesses in the California wildfires. Let’s unite as a community to provide hope and support for our family members affected by these fires. Your generosity can make a lasting difference in their recovery.
The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program has been upgraded for 2025 to offer a new level of support for the multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry.
Student Chapter Forms: Due January 15th
Student Chapter Internship Grants are intended to offer additional support to student chapters that are connecting students with internship and full-time employment in the mechanical contracting industry. Chapters are encouraged to utilize this funding to bring additional students to conferences such as the GreatFutures Forum or MCAA Convention.
Due January 15, 2025 for calendar year 2024 full-time new hires, funds distributed in March.
Submitted by the Faculty or Industry Advisor – one application per chapter.
Up to $1,000 per full-time new hire.
Photo must be submitted with the new hire on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
Affiliated Associations Forms: Due April 1, 2025
Grants are intended to offer support for the development and growth of local student chapter programming that creates new employment opportunities or student inclusivity at events with potential employers, mentoring programs, or new student-focused resources.
Due April 1, 2025 for 2025 plans, notifications in May.
Submitted by the Affiliated Association Executives. One application per Affiliated Association, covering all related student chapters.
$5,000 grant (5 available).
Employer Forms: Due April 1, 2025
These internship grants are intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program.
Due by January 31, 2025, and then will be discontinued.
Companies with 1 intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant. Companies with 2 or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant. Submit one form for each intern to ensure all interns are eligible for Part 2 upon graduation (full-time new hires).
Due by December 31, 2025, and then will be discontinued.
For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 check will be mailed to the company, to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included from a Part 1 list.
