$912,000 AWARDED SINCE 2003
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter NECA, Education and Research Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from any NECA members, their employees and their family members who wish to further their post-high school education in a field related to the electrical contracting industry.
These awards are designed to enhance the needs of the electrical contracting industry in Southeastern Michigan.
Since our first awards in 2003, the SMCNECA Education and Research Foundation has awarded in excess of $912,000 in scholarships in furtherance of its objectives. We know of no other chapter in NECA or any other local construction industry association that can equal that level of support to its members.
For more information about the NECA Scholarship Program, contact Jayne Thiel at 248-720-2727 or email jthiel@smcneca.org
Download Information:
Recommendation Form
Scholarship Application Form
Past Scholarship Awardees
Trevor Missig plans to attend Macomb Community College to study Electrical Engineering. Trevor is a dedicated to the industry and his community and is excited at the opportunity to learn as much as he can both in the field and the classroom. His long-term goal is to receive an Electrical Engineering Degree and hopes to have the opportunity to work with his father who also works in the industry.
Sponsored by: J&J Electric
Michael Ferguson will be attending University of Detroit Mercy this fall majoring in Business Finance. A personal goal of his is to obtain his degree and progress into a management/leadership position in the Electrical Contracting Industry.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Lauren Klaus will be attending Michigan Technological University in the fall, majoring in Engineering. She plans to pursue environmental engineering and research methods to improve the affordability and accessibility of environmentally-friendly energy and resources in society.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Connor Johnson is currently attending Michigan Technological University, majoring in computer science/information systems with a minor in business. He is currently exploring internships in the IT field and hopes to work in Information Systems upon graduation.
Sponsored by: Ferndale Electric
Drake LaForge is currently attending Kettering University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. He has been gaining substantial experience in the Electrical Industry while working with Hatzel & Buehler. Upon graduating with his bachelor’s degree he plans to pursue a Master’s in Project Management and hopes to continue his career in the Electrical Industry.
Sponsored by: Hatzel & Buehler
Evan Jablinskey iscurrently attending Michigan Technological University, majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in German. He has gained some field experience last semester when given the opportunity to work on an induction furnace in the school’s enterprise lab with coil roughly 4 inches for the inner diameter and putting an estimated 100 kVA through the coil.
Sponsored by: Industrial Electric
Mark Daniels is currently attending Michigan State University pursuing his Executive MBA. Mark first started in the electrical industry as an intern for Shaw and has worked his way to Project Manager/Estimator. In 2022, he was highlighted in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine as a 30 Under 30 Electrical All Star!
Sponsored by: Shaw Electric
Charles Tigert Charles is in his Sophomore year at Lawrence Technological University studying Electrical Engineering. He recently started his second summer internship with MCE to continue to gain real life, hands on experience. He plans to continue to play football for LTU while studying to complete his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Brendan Bender is currently attending Ferris State University, majoring in Computer Information Technology. He has gained experience working with in-office equipment such as servers, networks, and computers while interning at Shaw Electric. His future goal is to become an IT Technician/Manager and work for an electrical contractor.
Sponsored by: Shaw Electric
Andrew Landers is currently attending Kettering University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating, Andrew hopes to continue his work with Motor City Electric and study and pass his Professional Engineering Test. He is dedicated and committed to the industry and enjoys continuing his hands on education from his Dad and Uncle, working on various in home electrical projects.
Sponsored by: Superior Electric and Motor City Electric
Adam Noel is a Junior at Wayne State University’s College of Business with a Major in Finance and Global Supply Chain Management. As a four year Honor Roll student in high school and a current Dean’s List recipient at Wayne State, Adam hopes to manage finances and supply chain processes for electrical companies and suppliers.
Sponsored by: Electrical Insights
Joseph O’Neil is a Sophomore at University of Michigan Dearborn pursing a degree in Engineering. Throughout his academic journey, Joseph has refined his skills in CAD and 3D Printing, circuit boards, projection welding and assembling wire harnesses. A 5 time scholar athlete, AP Scholar, Dean’s List and a Summa Cum Laude graduate, he plans to use his school and hands on experience to secure an Engineering role.
Sponsored by: Shaw Electric
Kaitlyn Parrent is in her Senior year at Delat College studying Engineering. Kaitlyn's interest in Engineering began as a young girl watching her father build her childhood home. Her ability to fix things others cannot and a strong foundation in mathematics has continued to enliven her passion for Engineering.
Sponsored by: Conti Electric
Erika Phillips is in the second year of her Master’s Program in Human Resource Management. Throughout her career, Erika has successfully managed various aspects of HR. She has attended many NECA Conferences which helped further her skill set. With 21 years experience in Human Resources, she plans to work in the Human Resources field for an Electrical Contractor once her degree is completed.
Sponsored by: Ferndale Electric
Philip Ortenberg is sponsored by Triangle Electric. Philip is a Senior at Kettering University studying Electrical Engineering. He took STEM courses in Middle and High School which helped him develop into a determined and talented electrical engineering student who possesses a deep fascination for the world of electrical systems and technology. Philip hopes to become a Project Manager at a local Engineering Firm.
Sponsored by: Triangle Electric
Brittany Young is starting her second year in the MBA program at Central Michigan University. Brittany’s two young sons motivate her to pursue her MBA while working as the Marketing Coordinator for UIS. Her current job entails understanding the company and promoting UIS by telling its story. She hopes her MBA will allow her to contribute more to her current role and work her way up into a management position in the industry.
Sponsored by: Utilities Instrumentation Service
Nathan Belliveau is currently a sophomore at Kettering University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Nathan has been employed with Motor City Electric for the past year, working in the prefab shop detailing and creating drawings and recently created in-wall prefab drawings for the Ford Hub project in Detroit.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Grant Lindsay is entering his sophomore year at the University of Pittsburg. Grant is taking courses towards pre-engineering. During school breaks, Grant works with Motor City Electric in the service center, learning the electrical industry. He hopes to be a part of improving the infrastructure of Detroit.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Luke Pettinger is currently a junior at Northern Michigan University, majoring in Construction Management. Luke earned volunteer youth of the year with the St. Clair County 4H and held a leadership position as Fair Court/King. He is currently working with Barton Malow this summer and hopes to gain field experience. His goal is to become a project manager in the electrical field in the future.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Justin Schweiger is currently a junior at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in computer engineering. Justin was captain all four years on the Richmond football and baseball teams and volunteers at his parish. Justin hopes to advance his engineering degree in business management and human relations and achieve a long and prosperous career in the electrical industry.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Lindsay Schweiger is finishing her senior year at Central Michigan University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Lindsay previously interned with Ford Motor Company as a quality engineer. She hopes to bring her knowledge and experience from this internship and apply it to a long career within the electrical industry.
Sponsored by: Ferndale Electric
Joseph Calamia is currently a freshman at Kettering University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Joseph hopes to become a Project Engineer in the electrical industry.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Grant Ellison is currently a sophomore at Michigan State University, majoring in Construction Management. When not attending classes, Grant works at J&J Electric, assisting in the shop and learning the ins and outs of running an electrical contracting company. After completing his degree, he plans to continue his career in the electrical industry with hopes of becoming an electrical contractor.
Sponsored by: J&J Electric
Molly Gibbons is currently a junior at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Besides attending classes, Molly is gaining hands-on experience through internships. She is learning to read schematics and programming different panels for use in the auto industry and the medical field. She has a long-term goal of putting her education, and these learned skills into an electrical industry's advanced career.
Sponsored by: J&J Electric
Nathan Jeffery is finishing his senior year at Oakland University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Nathan is currently working for Ferndale Electric, where he enjoys learning to estimate and manage projects. He plans to become certified in CAD and BIM to advance his knowledge and be a great asset in our electrical industry.
Sponsored by: Ferndale Electric
Benjamin Jorde is finishing his senior year at Central Michigan University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Benjamin interned with Veoneer, an automotive electronics supplier, where he assisted their research and development team design an advanced driver assistance ECU. After graduation, he hopes to find a long career in the electrical industry to further his interest in learning power systems, controls, and research and development.
Sponsored by: Center Line Electric
Stephanie Bender is currently a junior at the University of Michigan Dearborn, majoring in Business Administration. Stephaine's long term goal is to start her own WBE electrical contracting firm.
Sponsored by: Shaw Electric
Justin Schweiger is currently a junior at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in computer engineering. Justin was captain all four years on the Richmond football and baseball teams and volunteers at his parish. Justin hopes to advance his engineering degree in business management and human relations and achieve a long and prosperous career in the electrical industry.
Sponsored by: Motor City Electric
Madelyn Harris is currently a freshman at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in Construction Management. After graduation, Madelyn hopes to align her love of architecture with Construction Management by blending electrical insulation with architectural design.
Sponsored by: Shaw Electric
Grace Vanden Bossche is finishing her senior year at the University of Michigan – Ross School of Business, majoring in Business Administration. During the summer of 2019, Grace interned with Shaw Electric as their COINS Implementation Intern. This experience and her education will give her a solid foundation for a long, fulfilling career in the electrical industry.
Sponsored by: Shaw Electric