Home Builders Care Foundation Awards $5,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation, the chariatble arm of the Building Industry Association of Fargo-Moorhead, has awarded $5,000 in scholarships to area students pursuing careers in the construction industry in 2025.

The scholarships support high school students planning to enroll in residential construction trades or related fields-such as plumbing, electrical, building construction technology, construction management, and HVAC-at either Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) or North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). Students must provide proof of enrollment within 18 months of graduating high school.

This year's scholarship recipiants are:

• Andrew Haley, Kindred High School - $600
• Bryce Nelson, Horace High School - $600
• Coltyn Ferguson, Sheyanne High School - $1,000 John Gunkelman Scholarship recipient
• Gage Salisbury, West Fargo High School - $600
• Lucas Grove, West Fargo High School - $600
• Otto Dockter, Richland High School - $600
• Addison Smestad, Horace High School - $1,000 Herdina Construction Trade Camp Scholarship recipient

The John Gunkelman Scholarship is awarded annually to one outstanding high school senior graduate headed to North Dakota State College of Science or M State to pursue a trades career. The recipient is selected partly for their community service work since that been important to Gunkelman throughout his life. Gunkelman is a long-time builder in the Fargo-Moorhead and lakes area. He is a past president of both the BIA-RRV, Home Builders Care and served in countless state and national leadership roles over the years. His volunteerism in the community and to his industry is unmatched. 

The Herdina Construction Trades Camp is a two-week program for high school students held each June at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Students get hands-on experience and classroom instruction in a variety of specialty occupations within the residential and commercial construction industry.