Six women pursuing careers in residential construction were awarded NAHB Professional Women in Building/National Housing Endowment “Strategies for Success” scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The scholarship winners are:

• Jill Dallman, a senior at Everglades University majoring in construction management and who wants to become a project/construction manager, was awarded $600.
  
  
• Sandra Higgens, an architecture student at the University of Maryland and who has several years of experience in the construction industry, was awarded $600.
  
  
• Whitney Johnson, a sophomore at Lawson State Community College majoring in architectural drafting and design, was awarded $600.
  
  
• Darcy McDonough, a sophomore at Kansas State University studying interior architecture and who wants to build green homes that incorporate sustainable design, was awarded $600.
  
  
• Rachel Posthumus, a junior at Northern Michigan University studying construction management and an active member of the university’s NAHB Student Chapter, was awarded $600.
  
  
• Lauren Wiest, a junior at Iowa State University majoring in construction engineering and a student member of the local chapter of NAHB Professional Women in Building and the Des Moines chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, was awarded $1,500. She was inspired to pursue a career in home building after becoming involved with the Ames Home Builders Association in Ames, Iowa. “It takes a very passionate person to get into the home building industry because you really become a key part of the community,” she said.

The six recipients were chosen from among a record 127 “Strategies for Success” applications.

“The number of talented and passionate women interested in the building industry was astounding. It makes me excited for what the future will hold,” said Carole Jones, CGB, CGP, CAPS, vice president of Robert R. Jones Homes in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and a trustee with the NAHB Professional Women in Building. “Supporting education is vital. In order for our industry to thrive in the future, it is imperative to support the motivated students of today,” she said

Established in 2001, the NAHB Professional Women in Building/National Housing Endowment “Strategies for Success” scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing careers in housing or a housing-related industry. The scholarship is funded by NAHB Professional Women in Building members and corporate donors.

“This scholarship fund is truly in keeping with our mission,” said Gary Garczynski, endowment chairman and 2002 NAHB president. “Even during these difficult times, the endowment is committed to encouraging the best and brightest to choose residential construction as a career. We are especially excited by the increase in women entering this profession and are proud to offer them this scholarship support.”

More Endowment Scholarship Programs

The endowment administers 12 scholarship programs and awards more than $300,000 each year to students studying residential construction and related fields.

For more information, visit the endowment website at www.nationalhousingendowment.org.