2026 MITA Scholarship Fund recognizes students committed to careers in Michigan’s heavy construction industry
LANSING, Mich. — The [thinkmita.org] Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) today announced the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Fund, awarding nearly $40,000 to sixteen students pursuing careers in Michigan’s heavy/highway construction industry. Selected from a highly competitive applicant pool, this year’s recipients are enrolled in programs ranging from civil engineering and construction management to welding technology and agribusiness management.
Two recipients received named scholarships carrying special significance within MITA. Gabrielle LaCosse was honored with the Jim Shea Memorial Scholarship, and Drake Leach received the Dave Fons Memorial Fund Scholarship. These awards recognize students who exemplify the values and dedication of the individuals they honor.
“The quality of this year’s applicant pool is a testament to the growing interest in our industry,” said Danielle Coppersmith, MITA communications and events manager. “Each of these recipients has demonstrated a genuine commitment to building a career in heavy construction, and we are proud to invest in their futures. These students represent the next generation of professionals who will help build and maintain Michigan’s critical infrastructure.”
2026 MITA Scholarship Recipients
Gabrielle LaCosse, Jim Shea Memorial Scholarship | Michigan State University
Drake Leach, Dave Fons Memorial Fund Scholarship | Michigan State University
Gavin Bebble | Michigan State University
Maxwell Bulthouse | Calvin University
Skyler Cooper | Lawrence Technological University
Ava Godlewski | Michigan State University
Grace Kidd | Northern Michigan University
Sarah Kirk | Michigan State University
Tyler Kleinsasser | South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Noah Mathis | Adrian College
Paige Mattice | Washtenaw Community College
Evan McColley | Lawrence Technological University
Ever Miller | University of Michigan
Brayden Morioka | University of Michigan
Brad Schmoekel | Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
Taylor Stenzel | Michigan State University
Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the MITA Wild Game Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. Recipients are also invited to volunteer and attend the MITA Annual Conference on January 27–28, 2027, at the Amway Grand/DeVos Place in Grand Rapids — one of Michigan’s premier events for the construction industry.
