Colleges and universities are not only seeing increased interest in programs like Construction Management, but placing students in jobs as fast as they can graduate. That’s why southwest Florida homebuilder Neal Communities has donated $100,000-plus to various programs for students planning a career in construction management and other trades.

A recent Wall Street Journal article reports, “The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16 percent last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018. The ranks of students studying construction trades rose 23 percent during that time, while those in programs covering HVAC and vehicle maintenance and repair increased 7%.

One of Neal Communities’ contributions is to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where Neal Communities committed $25,000 to fund a scholarship for the FGCU Construction Management program. The donation is being made in increments of $5,000 for the next five years and it will endow a $1,000 per year scholarship in perpetuity.

There currently are more than 300 students in the program, which began five years ago and offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, emphasizing the application of new technology, innovation and industry proven tools and procedures. “This is an investment in the future of the construction industry in Southwest Florida, says Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “This scholarship will benefit hardworking students and help them get their degrees in Construction Management.”

Construction management positions growing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction managers is projected to grow five percent from 2022–2032, faster than average for all occupations. On average, approximately 38,700 openings are projected in the field each year over the decade. Further, the Associated Builders and Contractors reports that the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 454,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet industry demand in 2025.

Among Neal Communities’ other support for education endeavors is a $50,000 donation to the Riverview High School Construction Academy, more than $40,000 in scholarship and mentorship support for the Take Stock in Children of Manatee County and support for the Future Builders of America Leadership.