Weis Builders funds a CM scholarship at Illinois State, supporting future construction leaders. Learn how this endowment impacts students.
Weis Builders Invests in Future Construction Leaders with Illinois State Scholarship
When you think of Weis Builders, skyscrapers and infrastructure might come to mind. But behind the steel and concrete, this forward-thinking firm is building something even more enduring: opportunities for the next generation. The company recently established an endowed construction management (CM) scholarship at Illinois State University, offering financial support to one student annually pursuing a CM degree.
How Endowed Scholarships Create Lasting Change
Unlike one-time gifts, endowed scholarships are designed to grow. Weis Builders’ contribution is invested by the Illinois State University Foundation, with annual returns funding the scholarship indefinitely. This means decades of students will benefit from Weis’s commitment to education.
For Jackson Caldwell ’15, a senior project manager at Weis and Illinois State alum, the partnership hits close to home. “Working for a company that gives back to my alma mater is incredibly rewarding,” he shared. “Whether mentoring students, attending career fairs, or supporting this scholarship, it’s about paving the way for future talent.”
A Legacy of Collaboration
Weis Builders’ ties to Illinois State run deep. The firm regularly recruits from the university’s CM program, hosts career fairs, and sits on the CM Advisory Board to help shape the curriculum. Caldwell emphasized,
“This scholarship isn’t about us; it’s about empowering students and strengthening the industry.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Illinois State’s CM program is booming, with enrollment at an all-time high. Scholarships like Weis’s help ease financial barriers, ensuring skilled students can focus on honing their craft.
Applying for the Weis Builders Scholarship
Starting in the 2026 academic year, eligible CM students can apply for this scholarship alongside other Department of Technology awards. Aspiring builders, mark your calendars: applications open next year, with winners announced in fall 2026.
By blending philanthropy with education, Weis Builders proves that the strongest foundations aren’t made of brick and mortar; they’re built through community, opportunity, and belief in what’s possible.