Applications open for annual CIM scholarship

The Construction Industry of Maui is now accepting applications from graduating high school students on Maui 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. They then can bring the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired back to Maui to serve their communities, a news release said.

“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 Premier Restoration Hawaii in Wailuku. “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.”

To qualify, scholarship applicants must reside and be a graduate of a high school in Maui County. Candidates must already be enrolled and entering a 2- or 4-year college degree in an applicable construction or design field.

Applicants are asked to submit an essay limited to 1,500 words that depict their planned course of study, career ambitions, and why they should be awarded this opportunity.

The deadline for the essay and application is May 1. 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 10 Maui students, according to CIM.

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. He was involved with the building and remodeling of over a thousand projects statewide including schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, churches, community centers, and other 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.”

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.