Spirit of Construction Launches Women in Construction Scholarship Fund
August 26, 2026
Spirit of Construction is proud to announce a powerful new investment in the future of women in the construction industry. Thanks to a generous $25,000 award from the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund through Fifth Third Bank, we have launched the Women in Construction Scholarship Fund. The fund is a dedicated effort to expand access, opportunity, and long‑term career pathways for women across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
A Scholarship Built to Open Doors
Construction is one of the fastest‑growing industries in our region, yet women remain significantly underrepresented. This scholarship fund is designed to change that. By supporting women who are actively pursuing construction‑related education and training, Spirit of Construction is helping build a more inclusive, skilled, and empowered workforce.
In 2026, we will award:
These awards are available to women enrolled in a construction‑related educational program, apprenticeship, or certification course. The awards ensure support reaches individuals who are already taking meaningful steps toward a construction career.
Why This Matters
This fund is more than financial support—it’s a commitment to equity, representation, and workforce development. Women bring essential skills, leadership, and perspective to construction, and increasing their participation strengthens the entire industry. The Schmidlapp Fund’s investment helps Spirit of Construction continue its mission of advancing education, training, and career development for the next generation of builders. It also aligns with regional workforce needs, helping employers connect with talented women ready to enter the field.
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the scholarship reaches women who will benefit most, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The application window for the 2026 Women in Construction Scholarship has closed. Please check back for news about this year’s recipients and for more information about the 2027 scholarship application.
In 2026, we will award:
- Five $2,000 skilled trades scholarships
- Three $5,000 higher ed scholarships
These awards are available to women enrolled in a construction‑related educational program, apprenticeship, or certification course. The awards ensure support reaches individuals who are already taking meaningful steps toward a construction career.
Why This Matters
This fund is more than financial support—it’s a commitment to equity, representation, and workforce development. Women bring essential skills, leadership, and perspective to construction, and increasing their participation strengthens the entire industry. The Schmidlapp Fund’s investment helps Spirit of Construction continue its mission of advancing education, training, and career development for the next generation of builders. It also aligns with regional workforce needs, helping employers connect with talented women ready to enter the field.
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the scholarship reaches women who will benefit most, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must identify as a woman
- Must reside in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region
- Must be enrolled in or accepted to a construction‑related educational program, apprenticeship, or certification course
- Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA (if applicable)
The application window for the 2026 Women in Construction Scholarship has closed. Please check back for news about this year’s recipients and for more information about the 2027 scholarship application.
