Scholarships available for concrete-based degree

The Sierra Nevada Concrete Association announced it is funding a four-year scholarship for the unique Concrete Industry Management program at California State University, Chico.

"This degree and education track is the fast track to high-paying jobs," said Rick Quinn, president of the Sierra Nevada Concrete Association, a Northern Nevada-based industry association promoting the use of concrete.

"The program at Chico State is patterned after the very successful Tennessee State University program, where every single graduate has been getting a job with an average annual salary of $42,000 right out of school," he said.

The Chico State program is the only one of its kind in California/Nevada region, and among only four in the nation. Students in the major take a hybrid of courses - business management and concrete engineering - and may participate in a paid summer internship which allows them to gain work experience in the concrete industry.

To be eligible for the Sierra Nevada Concrete Association Concrete Industry Management Scholarship, worth more than $12,000, students must be a resident of Nevada, have a desire to attain a bachelors degree or higher in a course of study leading to a construction- or concrete-management careers, and an entering freshman or currently enrolled in college.

Scholarship criteria include; need, achievements, grades and desire - including a written statement regarding career objectives. Application deadline is May 30.

Scholarship details are available at www.sierranevaconcrete.org or through high school and college career centers.