James L. Allhands Student Essay Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Associated General Contractors of America
Overview
The James L. Allhands Essay recognizes outstanding student essays that advance technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry. Established in honor of James L. Allhands, the award highlights scholarship that addresses practical and theoretical issues affecting construction practice. Submissions are evaluated for their relevance and potential benefit to the construction community. The program also fosters connections between students and industry educators.
Description: The award celebrates a single student essay on a topic judged to benefit the advancement of construction-related knowledge and practice.
- Annual competition recognizing student scholarship in construction.
- Focuses on work beneficial to industry practice and education.
- Promotes interaction between students and industry professionals.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to senior-level students enrolled in accredited construction management or construction-related engineering programs. Specifically, students must be in four- or five-year programs accredited by ABET or ACCE. The competition targets those completing their terminal undergraduate year and preparing to enter the profession. Faculty sponsors are involved as part of the award recognition.
Eligibility: Open to senior-level students in ABET- or ACCE-accredited university construction management or construction-related engineering programs.
- Senior undergraduate students only.
- Program must be ABET or ACCE accredited.
- Applies to construction management and related engineering disciplines.
Award Details
The First Place essay author receives a monetary prize and recognition at the AGC Annual Convention. The student's faculty sponsor also receives a cash award and both are invited as guests of the Foundation. These awards are intended to reward excellence and encourage faculty mentorship. Presentation at the convention provides visibility within the professional community.
Award Value: First Place author receives $1,000 and the faculty sponsor receives $500; both are invited to the AGC Annual Convention as guests of the Foundation.
- $1,000 prize for the First Place student.
- $500 award for the faculty sponsor.
- Presentation and industry recognition at the AGC Annual Convention.
2027 Topic
The 2027 competition focuses on collaboration during preconstruction, a phase critical to project planning and coordination. Essays should address strategies, processes, or technologies that improve interdisciplinary cooperation before construction begins. Submissions that offer practical recommendations or evidence-based analysis are especially relevant. The topic encourages examination of preconstruction workflows and stakeholder engagement.
Topic: “Promoting Effective Collaboration during Preconstruction.”
- Focuses on collaboration and coordination in preconstruction.
- Seeks practical, evidence-based recommendations.
- Relevant to project planning, estimating, and stakeholder alignment.
Application Timeline
The application cycle for 2027 follows a predictable annual schedule to align with academic calendars. Applications open on July 1 and close in November, allowing students to prepare submissions during the academic year. Winners are notified in February, and the award is presented at the AGC Annual Convention. This timeline supports faculty mentorship and provides time for review and selection.
Application Timeline: Applications open July 1, the deadline is in November, winners are notified in February, and the award is presented at the AGC Annual Convention.
- Applications open July 1.
- Submission deadline occurs in November.
- Winner notification in February; award presented at the AGC Annual Convention.
History of the Award
The Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, a founding member of AGC and a prolific author on construction topics. It was created to honor his legacy by promoting writing and research that advance the construction profession. Over time the award has become a means to connect academic work with industry needs and to recognize emerging talent. The prize reinforces the value of scholarly contributions to practical industry challenges.
History of the Award: Founded by James L. Allhands to encourage essays that advance technical, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry.
- Named for James L. Allhands, AGC founding member and author.
- Established to promote scholarship with practical industry impact.
- Supports connections between academia and the construction industry.