Education & Research Foundation
The Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee Education & Research Foundation was founded as a philanthropic organization in the 1970’s to promote construction industry education and research efforts. Since it was established, the E&R Foundation Board of Directors has awarded over $1 million in grants and scholarships to local schools and universities throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Additionally, the E&R Foundation provides research and development funding for initiatives related to the well-being and advancement of the construction industry.
2022 & 2023 Program Investments
Marquette University Construction Engineering Program
The E&R Foundation is a proud partner with the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. Through the E&R Foundation grants, the Department has been able to develop technology improvements in the Structures Lab as well as support opportunities for students to work within the lab. AGC is proud to work with Marquette University and its AGC Student Chapter to develop the next generation of construction leaders. The Foundation’s scholarships for Marquette University include the Marquette University Robert Caspari Scholarship, and the Marquette University Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility Scholarship.
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Construction Engineering Program
Over the past two years, the E&R Foundation has established a new partnership and made grants to
support the new MSOE STEM Center which provides hands-on and experiential learning opportunities for middle school and high school students in the greater Milwaukee area. The Center bridges the learning gap for students of all backgrounds and ensures we will continue to develop a world-class workforce. The AGC is also proud to work with MSOE and their AGC Student Chapter to develop the next generation of construction leaders. The AGC of Greater Milwaukee Education & Research Foundation provides MSOE with the MSOE AGC Scholarship to help give deserving MSOE students the chance to pursue their dreams of a career in construction.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Civil Engineering
UW-M recently opened the Student Advancement Center which provides tutoring, mentoring, and other support for students entering UW-Milwaukee’s Civil Engineering program. The E&R Foundation's support of the center ensures that students have the support they need to overcome challenges to achieve their degrees. AGC is also proud to work with UW-M and their AGC Student Chapter to develop
the next generation of construction leaders. The AGC of Greater Milwaukee Education & Research Foundation provides UWM with the UW-Milwaukee Skill, Integrity, Responsibility Scholarship to help give deserving UWM students the chance to pursue their dreams of a career in construction.ACE Mentoring Program
The ACE Mentor Program is a free, award-winning, afterschool program designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering industry, including skilled trades. In the Milwaukee area, the program is supported​ by leading firms in the industry along with the support of the E&R Foundation. Grant funds support the costs of the after-school activities as well as support an annual E&R Foundation Scholarship program awarded to outstanding students looking to pursue their careers in the industry.
Building Advantage Career Fair
Through the support of the E&R Foundation, Building Advantage was able to host the largest high school job fair in the state. Attracting over 700 students from 32 schools throughout the region, the Fiserv Forum provided a tremendous opportunity for students, teachers, and guidance counselors to interact and connect with contractors and apprenticeship programs serving the region.The current Education & Research Foundation Board includes:
Chairman: Rupert Kotze, Kotze Construction Co., Inc.Jim Parks, Berghammer Construction Corp.
Rick Schmidt, Jr., CG Schmidt, Inc.
Steve Freckmann, Dawes Rigging and Crane Rental, Inc.
Mark Kessenich, AGC of Greater Milwaukee
Zach Gaatz, J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc.