News Summary
The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) has expanded its membership to over 300 and awarded $75,000 in scholarships to support future professionals in the construction industry. The recent awards ceremony recognized six students, with special grants available for children of member employees. ACCNJ aims to improve safety and efficiency in the industry while encouraging education and diversity, as exemplified by the recognition of Jill Schiff, COO, with a Women of Achievement Award.
ACCNJ Awards $75K in Scholarships as Membership Grows
The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) recently expanded its membership and awarded significant scholarships to students, highlighting its commitment to supporting the construction industry’s future in the state. In June 2025, ACCNJ welcomed six new members, bringing its total membership count to over 300. This growth reflects a robust representation of New Jersey’s building, highway, and utility construction sectors.
In the first half of 2025, ACCNJ saw an increase of 15 new members, contributing to its role as the sole full-service trade association for the construction industry in New Jersey. Among the new entrants are companies specializing in software solutions as well as heavy civil and highway construction. Some of these new members also bring experience from outside New Jersey, with operational bases in neighboring regions and even Canada.
ACCNJ’s ongoing mission is to foster safer and more technologically advanced job sites. The organization’s leadership is keenly aware of the challenges the industry faces, particularly around issues related to safety and operational efficiency. Efforts are underway to develop innovative solutions that address these concerns effectively.
ACCNJ held its annual scholarship awards ceremony on June 10, 2025, distributing a total of $75,000 in scholarships to six deserving students. This year’s awards included grants specifically aimed at the children or grandchildren of ACCNJ member employees, with five scholarships distributed through the ACCNJ Foundation Scholarship program. In memory of an influential industry figure, one scholarship was specifically named after Donald Waters Sr.
One standout recipient was Thomas Logan, a civil engineering student who has set his sights on a career in heavy construction contracting, receiving the prestigious John F. Donohoe Scholarship. Since its inception, the ACCNJ Foundation has significantly supported academic pursuits, having distributed over $800,000 in scholarships since 2014.
In addition to the scholarship awards, recognition was given to Jill Schiff, ACCNJ’s Chief Operating Officer, who received a 2025 Women of Achievement Award from the Professional Women in Construction – New Jersey Chapter. This accolade highlights her dedication to leadership within the industry and her commitment to advancing diversity in construction. With over 35 years of experience, Schiff’s influence has extended beyond her role at ACCNJ, as she also actively mentors emerging professionals.
The Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, held on May 21, 2025, showcased the achievements of women in the construction field, attracting over 300 industry professionals in celebration of diversity and gender equity. In recent years, initiatives like the PWC-NJ scholarship fund, established in 2019, have aimed to support female students pursuing studies in architecture, engineering, STEM, and other construction-related disciplines.
As ACCNJ continues to grow its membership and invest in the education of the next generation of construction professionals, it remains dedicated to addressing industry challenges and fostering a collaborative environment. The organization’s focus on safety and efficiency, coupled with educational support, positions it as a leader in the construction landscape of New Jersey.
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Additional Resources
- NJB Magazine: ACCNJ’s Schiff Named 2025 Woman of Achievement
- ROI-NJ: ACCNJ Awards $75K in Scholarships
- NJBIZ: ACCNJ Membership Expansion
- Daily Press: NJ Association Scholarship Winner
- My Central Jersey: Archdiocese Newark Community Engagement
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey
- Google Scholar: ACCNJ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Google News: Construction Industry News
