In 2001 the Des Moines Chapter of ASPE initiated an academic scholarship program. With the funds raised from membership dues and the annual golf outing, the Des Moines Area Chapter 73 of ASPE offered two $500 scholarships to a college sophomore or junior majoring in a field of study relating to the construction industry (i.e. Construction, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, etc.). The scholarships are offered to students attending Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa. These two universities have nationally recognized programs that prepare students for a successful career in the construction industry.

The students are asked to submit written applications. A committee of 6-7 ASPE members that represent, subcontractors, suppliers, & general contractors evaluate each applicant based on their financial need, activities, intent to stay in central IA, and personal outlook on the construction industry. Committee members scores each applicant in these areas on a scale of 1-100. Based on these scores, 4-5 applicants are chosen for an interview with the committee. Again the applicants are scored based on how they conduct themselves in the interview process.

This year we will announce the recipient of the award at the respective college’s annual scholarship banquet. The recipient of the award is invited to attend our monthly dinner meeting to be recognized, and are made student members of ASPE.

Since the Des Moines Area Chapter of ASPE was chartered, we have enjoyed the continued success of increasing our membership. This, along with the success of our annual golf outing, we have been able to continually increase the scholarship amounts each year. For the 2022-2023 school year, we will be presenting $4000 awards.

Since 2001, our chapter has proudly given over $50,000 in scholarships to students attending Iowa State or the University of Northern Iowa. Several of the students who are past scholarship winners and applicants currently work for companies in the Des Moines area and are members of ASPE.

We are looking forward to continuing our scholarship program for years to come.