KB Home and Jacksonville Homebuyer each presented a check for $5,000 to the Northeast Florida Builders Association Arnold Tritt Scholarship Fund at the November NEFBA board meeting. Both companies donated to the fund last year, as well.
Michele Rollins, KB Home director of local governmental affairs, said he believes the scholarship program holds the key to the future of area builders.
“The building industry certainly strengthens our local economy and will continue to do so for years to come,” Rollins said. “And, the future rests on the shoulders of dedicated students. What a shame it would be if deserving students were unable to finish their program of study due to lack of funds. The scholarship helps bridge the gap, ensuring the future of the industry in Northeast Florida.”
Local associations have a responsibility to assist future builders, said Penelope Geismar, publisher of Jacksonville Homebuyer magazine.
“Tomorrow’s builders will be college-educated and professionally trained, so they’ll know how to do their jobs,” Geismar said, “More importantly, I hope the new generation of builders will follow the example set by the current generation and dedicate themselves to community service and community betterment as evidenced by those who have contributed to this scholarship fund.”
Geismar said all students face rising costs.
“To fund an education, most students have to combine money they earn with grants, loans and scholarships,” she said. “Anything we can do to ease that burden will help.”
Jacksonville Homebuyer co-sponsored a fundraiser, The Good Neighbor Awards, which served to recognize 20 builders and developers for their outstanding charitable efforts. Money raised by the awards luncheon was donated to the scholarship fund.
Established by the Northeast Florida Builders Association, the Arnold Tritt Scholarship is awarded to juniors and seniors in the University of North Florida Building Construction Management program who demonstrate a financial need. Scholarship awards are presented at the UNF Hard Hat Banquet in the spring and the NEFBA/SMC installation ceremony in the winter.
To date, 10 students have been awarded scholarships totaling $20,000.
Funds for the scholarship are from member donations and NEFBA fund-raising events.
Applications for the next scholarship awards are being reviewed. Winners will be announced at the NEFBA-Sales & Marketing Council Installation and Awards breakfast Jan. 6, 2006.