Category: Scholarship

Top 10 Things the KCA is Thankful for this Year!

Top 10 Things the Keystone Contractors Association Is Thankful For This Year

  1. Our Member Companies
    The heart of KCA — dedicated contractors, suppliers, and industry partners who embody professionalism, innovation, and integrity in construction. Contact a KCA Member Today!
  2. A Strong, Skilled Workforce
    We’re grateful for the tradespeople who build Pennsylvania’s future every day. Their craftsmanship, commitment to safety, and pride in their work are the foundation of our industry. We are so grateful for our labor partners: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Pennsylvania Laborers District Council, Cement Masons Locals 526 and 592, Operating Engineers Local 66, and Bricklayers Local 9.
  3. Supportive Families at Home
    Behind every worker is a family that sacrifices and supports the long hours and hard work it takes to build this state. Make sure our workers take care of their families and remind them to take advantage of their Employee Assistance Programs: EAP Best Practices for Construction Employers.
  4. Industry Partnerships & Collaboration
    From labor organizations to educational institutions to peer associations, our collaborative spirit continues to push the industry forward. We hope to see you as we partner with industry friends to host Improving Project Outcomes: IPO: Building Tomorrow – The Next Generation Panel (Toy Drive Too!), Dec 15, 2025 at 3:30 PM.
  5. Advocacy & Legislative Progress
    The growing recognition of construction’s role in Pennsylvania’s economy — and momentum on key industry issues like workforce development and public procurement reform.
  6. Safety Above All
    Continued advances in safety training, jobsite awareness, and mental health initiatives that help ensure every worker goes home at the end of the day. Checkout the KCA Safety & Wellness Video Library.
  7. Opportunities for the Next Generation
    Expanding apprenticeship programs, outreach to schools, and growing interest among young people in choosing construction as a career. 
  8. Resilience in a Changing Economy
    Despite challenges — labor shortages, material costs, economic uncertainties — our industry continues to adapt, innovate, and build. KCA is adapting as we educate construction companies in implementing new technologies and you can help. Please take a moment to complete the AI Usage & Needs Survey:   Microsoft Forms     |     Google Forms.
  9. Community Impact
    We’re proud of the charitable work, volunteer efforts, and community projects our members take on — proving construction builds more than just structures.
  10. A Shared Purpose
    Above all, we are thankful for a unified mission: to build a better Pennsylvania, support our members, strengthen the industry, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending November 21, 2025

This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania:

Central Pennsylvania AEC Holiday Toy Drive – Time to register for the Improving Project Outcomes year end event featuring a panel of tomorrow’s leaders as well as the popular AEC Toy Drive! December 15th – See you there: To register: Building Tomorrow, The Next Generation Panel.

Oakmont Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Begins: A major construction project kicked off to build or upgrade a wastewater treatment facility in Oakmont, PA. This infrastructure build is important for environmental management and local utilities. READ MORE.

Highway Work on U.S. 1 in Bucks County: PennDOT confirmed construction (lane closures) along U.S. 1 in Bucks County for the week. These are part of a $116 million reconstruction and widening project on that stretch. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending October 17, 2025

This week’s top construction news in Pennsylvania:

AEC Industry Unites to Raise Scholarship Funds: The KCA held its annual sporting clays event this week, attracting construction executives, labor leaders and policy makers. To view the pictures from this event: 2025 KCA Sporting Clays Event.

Does Time Run Against the King? Clearfield County Jail Case Before Supreme Court: A legal challenge before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is seeking to reinterpret or reduce the 12-year statute of repose for construction liability. If successful, this could expose architects, engineers, and contractors to far longer liability periods than under current law. READ MORE.

$39 M State Funding to Prepare Shovel Ready SITES: Pennsylvania is allocating $39 million through its PA SITES initiative to ready 11 industrial parcels (improving infrastructure, utilities, access, remediation) to accelerate construction once investors commit. The aim is to reduce delays and attract large-scale development to underused land. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending October 10, 2025

This week’s top construction news in Pennsylvania:

$1.6 B Overhaul of Montogomery Lock & Dam Underway: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is demolishing an auxiliary lock chamber as part of a $1.59 billion rehabilitation project near Monaca, PA. The new plan includes replacing one of the historic chambers with a larger “primary” lock over the next several years. READ MORE.

PA Turnpike Reveals Future Interchange Designs: As toll plazas are being removed, the PA Turnpike unveiled renderings of reconstructed interchanges under its Open Road Tolling (ORT) initiative. The designs focus on safety, better sight lines, and reduced environmental impact. READ MORE.

First 3D Printed Home Breaks Ground: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, with X-Hab 3D and local partners, has begun construction of Pennsylvania’s first 3D-printed home. The structure will have 3 bedrooms / 1.5 bathrooms; exterior walls printed in concrete, interior framing done traditionally. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 26, 2025

This week’s top construction news in Pennsylvania:

State Government Building Projects: The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) has listed several high-profile state building or restoration projects. Two notable ones are: The New Pennsylvania State Police Academy, which recently reached a major construction milestone; and, restoration/ upkeep efforts for the Governor’s Residence. READ MORE.

University of Scranton Campus Upgrades: The University wrapped up a number of building and landscaping projects this month, but the most noticeable upgrade was the addition of Weiss Hall, a four-story, 90,000 square-foot academic and community resource building on Madison Avenue. READ MORE.

KCA Scholarship Program: The KCA Scholarship Program Application has been updated. For more information, please visit: https://www.keystonecontractors.com/KCA-Scholarship/.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

KCA Announces Its 2025 Scholarship Winners!

Harrisburg, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Awards, supporting the next generation of construction professionals in Pennsylvania and beyond. 

Each year, the KCA Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to outstanding students pursuing careers in construction, engineering, architecture, and related fields. This year, two students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants for their academic excellence, commitment to the industry, and leadership potential. 

“Investing in our future workforce is one of the most important things we can do,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “These students represent the future of construction, and we’re honored to help support their education and growth.” 

The 2025 KCA Scholarship Recipients include: 

Since establishing the KCA Scholarship Program four years ago, the KCA has given over $90,000 in scholarship funds to support students pursuing careers in the construction industry. The scholarships are made possible through generous contributions from KCA member companies, industry partners, and fundraising events throughout the year. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients gain access to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry events through the KCA. 

The awards were formally presented at the annual Construction Celebration, held on June 9th at the Harrisburg Hilton, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate workforce development and the bright future ahead. 

For more information about the KCA Scholarship Program or to learn how to support future scholarships, please visit https://keystonecontractors.com/KCA-Scholarship.  

Photo Caption, left to right: James Darr KCA Education Committee Chair, Allison Bromirski and Eliana Roof.

Media Contact: 
Jon O’Brien 
Executive Director 
Keystone Contractors Association 
(717) 731-6272 
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com