Construction Industry of Maui is now accepting applications for scholarships to benefit students who plan to work in the Maui construction and design industry. CIM raised $60,000 at its November holiday fundraiser to support the scholarship fund.

KAHULUI — The Construction Industry of Maui (CIM) last week announced it is now accepting applications from graduating Maui high school students for its annual Bob Poulson CIM Scholarships.

Two students will be awarded $30,000 each to pursue a degree in architecture, engineering, construction, landscaping or other applicable programs — then bring the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired back to Maui to serve their communities.

To qualify, scholarship applicants must reside and be a graduate from a high school in Maui County. Candidates must already be enrolled and entering a two- or four-year degree program in an applicable construction or design field.

Applicants are asked to submit a compelling essay limited to 1,500 words that depicts their planned course of study, career ambitions and why they should be awarded this opportunity. Visit http://www.cimmaui.com/ for the scholarship application. Deadline for the essay and application is May 1, 2023.

Transcripts, referral letters, achievements and college acceptance letters may also be included.

The two scholarship awardees will be selected by the CIM Advisory Board and notified prior to the scholarship banquet, tentatively scheduled for late May.

To date, $140,000 in scholarships have helped ten Maui students.

Bob Poulson was a steward in the Maui community and a construction industry veteran. One of the original leaders of the Construction Industry of Maui organization, he also co-founded Arita Poulson General Contracting in 1986, when Maui was growing and changing.

He was involved with the building and remodeling of over 1,000 projects statewide, including schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, churches, community centers and other significant retail and commercial projects on Maui. He is remembered as a leader who enjoyed working alongside his employees and teaching young people from diverse backgrounds about the construction industry.

“We are excited to offer these scholarships to two deserving Maui students,” said Michelle Heller, CIM chair and owner of Da Kine Paints, LLC.

“It continues Bob Poulson’s legacy, as these students will one day return home to serve their community and apply what they’ve learned to help Maui’s building industry continue to thrive.”

Heller added, “CIM is dedicated to creating programs to help young talent begin careers in skilled construction trades. HPM Building Supply recently provided $500 gift cards that were dispersed to young men and women starting out in their skilled trades. The cards helped alleviate some of the financial burdens of entering a new trade profession and were used to purchase essential tools and equipment.”

“We are grateful to all of the generous supporters who make the CIM scholarships possible,” said Anthony Nelson, CIM Scholarship Committee chair and president of Rethink Restoration.

“These scholarships give local kids an opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming skilled tradespersons, professionals and future leaders in the construction industry and serve their communities here on Maui.”

Apply for scholarships online at www.cimmaui.com or mail a hard copy to The Construction Industry of Maui Advisory Board, P.O. Box 1628, Kahului, HI 96733.

The scholarship mission of CIM is to encourage and shape the future leaders of the industry at a time when there is a shortage of qualified professionals and skilled craftworkers.

CIM represents nearly 100 member companies and unifies the community by taking on legislative actions, providing scholarships to local students, hosting training seminars and monthly membership meetings, and the undertaking of many volunteer community projects. “https://ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.com/www.lahainanews.com/images/2023/03/17212615/CIMscholarship-winners.jpg” alt=”” width=”580″ height=”436″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-581020″ />