2025 Scholarship Winners Announced

Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) proudly announces winners of the 2025 Presidential Merit Scholarships and Michael H. Kinder Jr. Memorial Scholarship. These programs were created to recognize significant accomplishments and reward worthy students for furthering their education in construction-related college degree programs. The recipients of the two $2500 Presidential Merit Scholarships are Jayden Somsavath and Andrew Tierney. Mason Shoemaker is the recipient of the $2500 Michael H. Kinder Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Mason Shoemaker, a 2024 graduate of Wawasee High School, is currently completing a summer internship with Weigand Construction. He plans to continue his education at Ball State University, where he is majoring in construction management. Growing up around job sites fueled his early passion for building, and today, he’s driven to lead projects that bring designs to life, foster collaboration, and leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Jayden Somsavath graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School this year and will attend Purdue University this fall majoring in Civil Engineering. His passion for the field stems from a desire to create meaningful infrastructure—roads that connect communities, bridges that endure, and systems that enhance everyday life. He’s drawn to civil engineering for its unique combination of problem-solving and tangible, real-world impact.

Andrew Tierney is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University Fort Wayne, with a focus on large-scale construction and industrial design in the food processing industry. Andrew is driven by a passion for building and improving lives. Since 2023, he’s gained hands-on experience with Shambaugh & Son, L.P., where he plans to continue after graduating in 2026. His goal is to combine technical expertise with leadership, eventually pursuing an MBA to prepare for project management roles and mentoring future engineers while contributing to efficient, sustainable, and impactful construction projects.

MEET PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

BCA Presidential Merit Scholarship

The Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana established this scholarship program to recognize significant accomplishments and reward worthy students in furthering their education in a post-secondary, construction-related education program. Two scholarships for $2500 are available.

• Applicants shall be pursuing a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university or studying under a BAT-approved construction apprenticeship program.
• Accepted programs fall under headings of architecture, construction, and engineering degrees applied to the discipline of construction. Non-construction majors are ineligible. 

Michael H. Kinder Jr. Memorial Scholarship

The family of Michael H. Kinder Jr. established this award to recognize accomplishments and achievements of a recent high school graduate or existing college student or apprentice who wishes to pursue (or is pursuing) a career in a construction trade (carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, etc.) under a BAT-approved construction apprenticeship program or an associate or bachelor’s degree in a construction or civil-engineering related field. One scholarship in the amount of $2500 is available.

This scholarship is named in memory of Michael H. Kinder, Jr., who lived and breathed construction for 42 years while he was part owner of a local construction company. Mike’s love of all things construction continued until the day he died. He was a huge perfectionist in the work he and his company did, but he also had a huge heart, a bright smile, and a desire to help others learn and grow in the profession. Even though Mike was the “boss,” he ALWAYS arrived home from work dirty because he couldn’t resist helping his crews. He was hugely passionate about growing and developing the next generation of construction talent and would be proud to have this award in his name. He also volunteered for numerous organizations during his career and retirement, including being highly involved with the BCA, from which he won the Summit Award in 2003. We are seeking students who we believe share a passion for the construction industry similar to Mike’s, and we encourage you to do your best to convey your passion in this application.

BCA Corporate Scholarship with Indiana Tech