News Summary
The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) has expanded its membership to over 300 and awarded $75,000 in scholarships to support future professionals in the construction industry. The recent awards ceremony recognized six students, with special grants available for children of member employees. ACCNJ aims to improve safety and efficiency in the industry while encouraging education and diversity, as exemplified by the recognition of Jill Schiff, COO, with a Women of Achievement Award.
ACCNJ Awards $75K in Scholarships While Expanding Membership
In a significant milestone for the construction industry in New Jersey, the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) has awarded a total of $75,000 in scholarships to six deserving students. This announcement came during a period of remarkable growth for the organization, which has successfully expanded its membership to over 300 members in 2025. This growth reflects ACCNJ’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and efficient work environment across the state’s building, highway, and utility construction sectors.
Membership Expansion and New Additions
In June 2025, ACCNJ welcomed six new members from a range of industries, including software providers and heavy civil/highway construction. So far this year, the organization has added a total of 15 new members, boosting its rank to over 300. This growth signals an increasing collaboration among various sectors of the construction industry, enhancing the network of professionals dedicated to achieving higher standards of safety and efficiency on job sites.
Among the new members are companies with established reputations not only in New Jersey but also in regions beyond, including locations in Canada. This expansion is aimed at sharing expertise and resources while addressing the myriad challenges facing the industry today.
Scholarship Awards Highlight ACCNJ’s Community Commitment
On June 10, 2025, ACCNJ recognized the academic accomplishments of six students by awarding a total of $75,000 in scholarships. This latest funding brings the organization’s total contributions to more than $800,000 in scholarships distributed since 2014. Of the six scholarships, five were awarded to children or grandchildren of ACCNJ member employees through the ACCNJ Foundation Scholarship program. Additionally, one scholarship was dedicated in memory of the esteemed industry leader, Donald Waters Sr.
The prestigious John F. Donohoe Scholarship was awarded to Thomas Logan, a promising civil engineering student determined to forge a successful career in heavy construction contracting. The scholarships are part of ACCNJ’s broader mission to support the next generation of professionals in the construction field, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence and workforce development.
Recognizing Leadership and Commitment to Diversity
Jill Schiff, the Chief Operating Officer of ACCNJ, was recently honored with the 2025 Women of Achievement Award from the Professional Women in Construction – New Jersey Chapter. Her recognition highlights her 35 years of dedicated service to the construction industry and her emphasis on promoting diversity within the field. Under her leadership, ACCNJ has made significant strides in creating safer and more modern job sites while fostering an inclusive environment for all construction professionals.
The Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, held on May 21, 2025, attracted over 300 industry professionals, underscoring the strong support for women in construction. Furthermore, the Professional Women in Construction – New Jersey Chapter launched a scholarship fund in 2019 specifically aimed at supporting female students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, STEM fields, and construction-related areas. This initiative is a testament to the organization’s ongoing dedication to empowering women and increasing their representation in the construction industry.
Looking Ahead
As ACCNJ continues to grow and evolve, it remains focused on addressing the challenges facing the construction sector while enhancing safety practices and operational efficiencies. The organization’s leadership is committed to fostering an environment that welcomes new ideas and innovations, ultimately benefiting both its members and the communities they serve.
With scholarship programs aimed at nurturing the future generation and an expanding membership that mirrors the diverse landscape of the construction industry, ACCNJ is poised to play an essential role in shaping the future of construction in New Jersey and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- NJB Magazine: ACCNJ’s Schiff Named 2025 Woman of Achievement
- ROI-NJ: ACCNJ Awards $75K in Scholarships
- NJBIZ: ACCNJ Membership Expansion
- Daily Press: NJ Association Scholarship Winner
- My Central Jersey: Archdiocese Newark Community Engagement
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey
- Google Scholar: ACCNJ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Google News: Construction Industry News
