The very foundation of progress is built on diversity. Since founding Clayco, I have worked to ensure that our team remains steadfast on our journey to incorporate inclusivity into every project and partnership. Despite the current scrutiny surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, we firmly believe in their essential role and unwavering effectiveness.
Clayco is committed to championing DEI as the best path forward, recognizing its power to unite, empower, and drive meaningful change – and alongside many other sponsors, the Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) is one way that we do that!
We recently held our annual Build Our Future Scholarship awards ceremony and it was a great success. It was a wonderful and inspiring time commemorating the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2024! I am proud to announce that we awarded a total of $150,000 in scholarships to 10 high school seniors who have shown outstanding ambition and potential in construction-related fields.
These scholarships represent more than just financial support; they symbolize our dedication to fostering diversity and opportunity. Going forward, the students will receive personalized support from CCDI leadership, including academic guidance, internships, mentoring, and assistance with career placement. Our team makes sure that the recipients are given every resource they need to achieve their dreams.
From high school educators and industry professionals to college professors, supportive parents, and business owners, the event was a testament to the power of collaboration. CCDI positively impacts communities in St. Louis, Chicago, and beyond. To date, CCDI has facilitated full-time employment for over 170 individuals in the trades and awarded 74 Build Our Future Scholarships, totaling over $650,000!
Every individual deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance. I take pride in CCDI’s ability to support minority, underrepresented, and underserved students, and I can’t wait to see where they go next on their journey. Congratulations to the 2024 graduates and to all CCDI sponsors who make these important efforts possible.
This is just the beginning!
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