Scholarship program continues investing in Pennsylvania students committed to building careers—and communities—across the Commonwealth
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that it has awarded more than $100,000 in college scholarships since launching its scholarship program in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to developing Pennsylvania’s next generation of construction industry leaders.
Designed with a singular mission, the KCA Scholarship Program is unlike any other in the Commonwealth. KCA proudly refers to it as “Pennsylvania’s Scholarship” because every dollar invested stays in Pennsylvania.
To qualify, scholarship recipients must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident.
- Attend a Pennsylvania college, university, or trade-related institution.
- Demonstrate a commitment to building their career—and Pennsylvania’s future—after graduation.
“Our goal has never been simply to provide financial assistance,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Our mission is to invest in students who are committed to building Pennsylvania. Every scholarship recipient represents another future leader who will strengthen our workforce, improve our communities, and contribute to the economic future of our Commonwealth.”
Since its inception, the scholarship program has supported students pursuing careers in construction management, engineering, architecture, skilled trades, business, safety, and other disciplines that support Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
Unlike many scholarship programs that allow recipients to attend schools anywhere in the country, KCA intentionally designed its program to keep both the educational investment and future workforce within Pennsylvania.
“The construction industry needs talented young professionals who want to make a difference here at home,” O’Brien said. “By requiring recipients to live, learn, and ultimately help build Pennsylvania, we’re creating a direct pipeline from our classrooms to our jobsites.”
The scholarship initiative reflects KCA’s broader commitment to workforce development, which includes career awareness programs, industry partnerships, apprenticeship promotion, safety education, and leadership development throughout Pennsylvania.
Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, career aspirations, and each student’s desire to contribute to Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
As the program continues to grow, KCA remains committed to expanding scholarship opportunities and encouraging more young Pennsylvanians to pursue rewarding careers that will shape the Commonwealth’s future.
“Reaching the $100,000 milestone is something our members should be proud of,” O’Brien said. “Every scholarship represents an investment in Pennsylvania’s future workforce, infrastructure, and economy. We’re not just awarding scholarships—we’re helping build the next generation of builders.”
About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is Pennsylvania’s leading commercial construction association representing contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and industry partners. KCA is dedicated to advancing the construction industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, safety, and member services while helping build a stronger Pennsylvania.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-884-2801
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Building Pennsylvania 