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WTBA Scholarships
WTBA awards two different types of scholarships to deserving college students pursuing studies in transportation construction-related fields. Scholarship recipients are recognized and presented with their awards during WTBA's annual Contractor-Engineer Conference held each January.
Why do we do it?
WTBA recognizes the dedication, hard work, and financial commitment required to pursue a career in the transportation construction industry. These scholarships celebrate students' achievements while helping them take the next step toward reaching their educational and professional goals.What you'll need:
- One-page cover letter detailing why you deserve a WTBA scholarship
- Two letters of recommendation
- Most recent official school transcript
Engineering Scholarship: $5,000
All Civil and Construction Engineering students attending the following institutions are eligible to apply:
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin - Platteville
- University of Wisconsin - Stout
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Michigan Technological University
Eligibility
- Special consideration will be given to students who are residents of Wisconsin.
- Applicants must be studying Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Preference will be given to applicants who intend to pursue a career in the transportation construction industry.
Engineering Technician Scholarship: $3,000
All Engineering Technician students attending the following technical colleges are eligible to apply:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Madison Area Technical College
- Mid-State Technical College
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Moraine Park Technical College
- Waukesha County Technical College
- Gateway Technical College
- Nicolet Area Technical College
Eligibility
- Applicants must be studying Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Construction Management, or a related curriculum.
- Preference will be given to applicants who intend to pursue a career in the transportation construction industry.
Process
1. Register
Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login to the award with your email and password.
3. Create
Create your online application.
What you will need:- One-page cover letter detailing why you deserve a WTBA scholarship
- Two letters of recommendation
- Most recent official school transcript
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
On completion, save your Application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the
icon in the Application Summary section in the right column.
Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator
About Us
For more than 85 years, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association (WTBA) has served its members through state and federal advocacy, industry expertise, and a commitment to problem solving. Every day, WTBA works to build a stronger Wisconsin economy by ensuring sufficient, sustainable transportation funding, regulatory clarity, and projects that shape a safe and reliable transportation system for the entire state. Visit wtba.org to learn more about us.
History
WTBA's beginnings are linked to a number of contractor-related groups that organized in 1902. They worked to promote highway building in Wisconsin at a time when the automobile was increasingly becoming an important and popular means of transportation.
In 1939, after the consolidation of a number of these organizations, the WTBA emerged as the primary trade association - at the time named the Wisconsin Road Builders Association - representing the interests of the highway construction industry. In the years and decades that followed, the WTBA (under its former WRBA name) successfully rallied against gas tax diversion, helped shape environmental regulations that both protected natural resources and supported practical construction operations, and advocated for rules and laws that made roads safer for contractors and motorists alike.
In 1998, the Association changed "Road" to "Transportation" in its name to better reflect the full scope of the transportation construction industry it represents. While the name evolved, its mission remained the same: helping its members build the best transportation system in the country.
Congratulations to our 2026 WTBA Scholarship Winners!
Abram Helsell - UW-Stout ($5,000)
Andrew Lukanus - Marquette University ($5,000)
Wilson Baltus - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ($3,000)
Kaylee Pickering - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ($3,000)
Get to know more about our scholarship winners by watching their introductory videos below
PAST WINNERS
2025Alexis Fleegel – Milwaukee School of Engineering ($5,000)
Erin Jaeger – UW-Madison ($5,000)Canyon Richardson – UW-Stout ($5,000)Kolbe Solberg– Mid-State Technical College ($3,000)2024Owen Dickenson – University of Minnesota-Duluth ($2,000)Diego Garcia – UW-Milwaukee ($2,000)Julie Gunkel – UW-Milwaukee ($2,000)Reed Kelly – Milwaukee School of Engineering ($2,000)Braden Mork – UW-Milwaukee ($2,000)Ethan Karls – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ($1,000)Grayson Frost – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ($1,000)
Key Dates
Contact Us
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association1 East Main St. Suite 300
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 256-6891
Email: lkimble@wtba.org
