Wentworth Student Among First-Ever National Academy of Construction Scholarship Recipients

The National Academy of Construction announced that academic scholarships have been awarded to three students in the United States, including Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Julia Gravano.

This marks the first time NAC has awarded scholarships, providing two $5,000 scholarships and one $2,000 scholarship for the 2020 academic year.

“I am appreciative and thrilled to be supported by such an amazing organization as the NAC,” said Gravano. “The construction industry has been extremely supportive and welcoming since the very start at Wentworth. I want other people, male or female, to know how amazing and generous the industry is.”

The scholarships were established by NAC members to provide funding for undergraduate and/or graduate students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction, or a closely related field, and who desire a career in the construction industry. The intent is to provide financial support for two semesters for deserving students. To be eligible for consideration the students must be juniors or above, have a high GPA, be advancing toward a degree in a construction or construction-related program, and demonstrate exceptional leadership as well as participate in extracurricular activities. 

Gravano, a senior, is president of the WIT Construction Management Club, where she organizes site visits to construction and facilities management projects. She has interned at J. Calnan & Associates as well as at Consigli Construction, both in New York City.

Gravano was inspired to pursue a construction career after she visited her uncle’s company in Tampa in 2017.  Known as a strong leader, she serves as a mentor to fellow Wentworth students and in a student shadow program for high school students interested in construction, facilities management and commercial real estate.

“Part of the mission of the Academy is service to our nation,” said Wayne Crew, NAC General Secretary. “What better way to do that than to involve NAC members, such as those in the Scholarship Committee, to seek out exceptional future leaders and reward that excellence? We’re happy to honor our three scholarship recipients. We believe this initial effort will become part of what the Academy does annually.”

--Greg Abazorius