HCSS doubles 2016 construction intern scholarships; applications taken until Sept. 16

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Chase Ekstam, a construction management major at Missouri State University, won last year’s Construction Intern Award. Ekstam served as an intern with APAC-Springfield in Missouri.Chase Ekstam, a construction management major at Missouri State University, won last year’s Construction Intern Award. Ekstam served as an intern with APAC-Springfield in Missouri.

Now in its second year, the 2016 Construction Intern Awards program will give a total of $50,000 in college scholarships to students in construction-related fields, according to sponsor HCSS.

The construction estimating software developer, noting the popularity of last year’s program, doubled the amount of total scholarships offered this year. As was the case last year, the top winner will receive a $10,000 award. This year, however, four finalists will each receive a $4,000 scholarship and 12 honorable mentions will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

Chase Ekstam, who interned at APAC-Central while he was a student at Missouri State University, received last year’s award. “It’s been a great honor,” Ekstam says, and advises today’s interns to take full advantage of their opportunities. “Getting out in the field and actually doing the work, and being around career-oriented people allows you to learn so much.”

Last year’s winner: Chase Ekstam (center) receiving his check from Steve McGough, HCSS president and COO (left). They are joined by Doug Fronick (right) of APAC-Central, who supervised Chase during his internship.Last year’s winner: Chase Ekstam (center) receiving his check from Steve McGough, HCSS president and COO (left). They are joined by Doug Fronick (right) of APAC-Central, who supervised Chase during his internship.

Interns who have served at least two months in a construction-related field, either during the 2015-2016 school year or during this summer, are eligible for the internship. They must have been enrolled in a college, university or trade school for the 2015-2016 school year. Applications, available at constructioninternawards.com, will be accepted until September 16.

All entrants will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire with a summary of their intern experience. Two groups of finalists will be among those who make the top 17 entries, with eight chosen from popular vote, and nine chosen by a selection committee. All finalists who make the top group of 17 are guaranteed at least a $2,000 scholarship. A voting panel, made up of industry experts throughout the construction industry, will choose the top students.

In addition to the top prize, HCSS will give away several smaller prizes throughout the contest through participation in social media.