The Duluth Builders Exchange offers three scholarships to help students and apprentices pursue careers in the local construction industry. One scholarship is for students at four-year, degree-granting schools in areas of study related to construction, including engineering, architecture and construction management. A second scholarship is for students at two-year schools offering degrees or certifications in construction fields including carpentry, HVAC, landscaping and plumbing. A third scholarship provides up to $500 for tools and safety equipment for those entering the trades through apprenticeships. The scholarships for two- and four-year schools are open to high school seniors who attend or who have graduated from high schools in the Community Foundation’s service area. The tools and equipment scholarship is open to those pursuing apprenticeships in the area. The Duluth Builders Exchange is a nonprofit association of construction contractors dedicated to providing project leads and information to members as well as to building a skilled local construction workforce.

Eligibility: Duluth Builders Exchange 4-Year Scholarship 

• Graduate of: Any high school in the DSACF service area
• Pursuing four-year course of study in Building and Construction, Engineering, architecture, or construction management.
• Demonstrate Financial Need

Eligibility: Duluth Builders Exchange 2-Year Scholarship 

• Graduate of: Any high school in the DSACF service area
• Pursuing a two-year course of study in the building and construction industry. Examples include: Boilermaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Equipment Operator, Elevator Mechanic, Glazier, HVAC, Insulator, Iron Worker, Landscaper, Mason, Millwright, Painter, Plasterer, Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker, Ironworker, Roofer, Welder
• Demonstrate Financial Need

Scholarship Grant Range

$1,000 – $2,500 for one year

Application timeline

• This scholarship is part of the Universal Application: December 1 – February 15
• ONE Universal Application: Create a profile in the scholarship portal. Fill out the first page of the universal application to filter through all of the scholarships you qualify for. 

Award Details

• This scholarship may be used for expenses of post-secondary education at any accredited college, university or technical/ vocational school

• Award Payments will be mailed directly to the school/ university 
  • Fall Payments are mailed July 15-30
  • Spring Payments are mailed December 15-30
• Transferring Schools: Please contact DSACF if you plan on transferring schools. Transferring schools does not automatically transfer your scholarship. If a transfer occurs after scholarship money has been disbursed it may take up to 90 days to reprocess the scholarship payment. 

Tax information

DSACF encourages scholarship recipients to seek tax advice regarding scholarships. According to the IRS: Scholarships, fellowship grants, and other grants are tax-free if you meet the following conditions:

• You’re a candidate for a degree at an educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of students in attendance at the place where it carries on its educational activities; and
• The amounts you receive are used to pay for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution.

Duluth Builders Exchange Apprenticeship Scholarship

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is excited to offer the Duluth Builders Exchange Apprenticeship Scholarship! This scholarship was created to help provide a new generation of workers with the tools and gear they need in order to start contributing in the construction industry. 

Eligibility 

• Applicants must be registered with a union and entering the first or second year of an apprenticeship program in the construction industry located in Aitkin, Ashland, Bayfield, Carlton, Cook, Douglas, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County are eligible to apply. 
• Applicants must include a copy (photo) of your State-issued Apprenticeship Agreement. (AKA Indenture Paper) 

Application timeline

• The Duluth Builders Apprenticeship Scholarship has a separate application process and has two rounds. One round will be in the spring and the second round will be in the fall. 

Award Details

• Applicants will use this scholarship of up to $500 to purchase tools and equipment required to start an apprenticeship program. Acme Tools (Duluth) and Bear Shoe Works are the two participating area vendors. Applicants will be asked to specify which vendor they will use based on a provided tool list.