Scholarships
Since 2003, the Minnesota Builders Exchange Scholarship Fund has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to students seeking an education directly related to the construction industry.
Embarking on a career within the construction and building industry presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. In recognition of this dynamic landscape, the Midwest Builders Exchange (MBEX) and its partner, The Builders Group Education Foundation, want to support and empower the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.
MBEX wants to award multiple scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 - $5,000* to future carpenters, electricians, HVAC specialists, masons, tilers, elevator technicians, plumbers, utility workers, and all specialized trades workers, as well as construction managers, construction engineers, estimators, and construction administration students.
In addition to the scholarship prize, MBEX will also provide complimentary invitations to all MBEX-sponsored social events and educational opportunities to scholarship winners.
*MBEX reserves the right to adjust the number and monetary values of its awarded scholarships.
The online portal for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship is now open. Applications can be viewed and submitted by clicking the button below:
Applications will be accepted through 11:55pm on Friday, May 29, 2026. An application is not considered complete if submitted without all required answers, an official high school / collegiate transcript, recommendation letter, short answers, or essay.
The scholarship application and review process will roughly follow the timeline below:
• Friday, May 29 @ 11:55pm - All applications, in full, must be submitted. A completed in full application includes all requested documentation and it must be submitted via the online Kaleidoscope portal by the indicated date and time. Failure to provide all parts will result in disqualification of one's application.
• Early June 2026 - The MBEX Scholarship Committee reviews and scores all qualified applications.
• Late June 2026 - The Scholarship Committee meets to discuss applications, select awardees, and determine award dollar amounts.
• July 2026 - All applicants will be notified of their application status and whether or not they are receiving an MBEX scholarship.
Please contact Ashlee at ah@mbex.org or (612) 381-2631 during regular MBEX business hours.
• Be pursuing a construction-related field of study at an accredited post-secondary educational institution, be it at a trade school, a two-year technical or community college, or a four-year university.
• Be entering the Fall 2026 semester as a freshman, sophomore, or junior. Students completing their degree beyond the traditional four years may also be eligible to apply.
• Be studying at an accredited post-secondary institution located in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and upload a copy of their most recent transcript.
• Possess a strong passion for the construction and building industry.
• Provide a Letter of Recommendation written by a professional / industry contact, a community leader, organizational representative, academic instructor, or academic advisor.
• Agree to attend a minimum of ONE MBEX-sponsored event during Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027. If a scholarship is awarded to an applicant living outside of Minnesota, further conversations will be had with MBEX staff on how you can fulfill this obligation.
Previous scholarship recipients are more than welcome to reapply if they meet the scholarship criteria and the Fall 2026 semester is not their final semester of study.
Help spread the word and share this financial opportunity with your students. Link to this page on your school or organization's website using www.mbex.org/scholarship.
You can also download a 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship informational packet here.
See larger versions of the above by clicking on them. You can also download a flyer here.
Since 2003, the MBEX Scholarship Committee has awarded 152 scholarships for a total of $307,500. We are proud of our ongoing tradition of support to the future of the construction industry.
View past MBEX / TBG scholarship recipients:
Since 2003, the Minnesota Builders Exchange Scholarship Fund has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to students seeking an education directly related to the construction industry.
Midwest Builders Exchange
3800 American Blvd W, STE 780
Bloomington, MN, 55431
T: 612.381.2620
Mon, Tues & Thur (in-office): 7:00am-3:00pm
Wed & Fri (staff remote): 7:00am-3:00pm
Sat & Sun: closed
