ACCNJ celebrates scholarship recipients and industry leaders at the annual awards ceremony.
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.
The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) has made headlines by awarding $75,000 in academic scholarships to six deserving students as it continues to expand its membership base throughout 2025. This growth signifies an alignment with the organization’s commitment to fostering education and professional development within the construction industry.
As of June 2025, ACCNJ has successfully welcomed six new members from a variety of sectors, including software providers and companies involved in heavy civil and highway construction. This brings ACCNJ’s total membership to over 300, marking a significant increase of 15 members this year alone. The organization serves as the sole full-service trade association representing New Jersey’s extensive building, highway, and utility construction sectors.
In a notable turn, the recent new members of ACCNJ also possess experience beyond New Jersey, with operations located across the region and into Canada. Such a diverse membership not only strengthens ACCNJ’s role but also enhances its capacity to create safer and more modern job sites. It is hoped that this collaboration will lead to innovative solutions to existing challenges within the construction field.
Chief Operating Officer Jill Schiff has been a proactive voice in addressing the various challenges facing the construction industry, exploring potential avenues for improvement and efficiency. Meanwhile, CEO Jack Kocsis Jr. has expressed enthusiasm about bringing new members into the fold, emphasizing their shared commitment to safety and operational effectiveness.
The scholarship awards took place on June 10, 2025, with five scholarships granted to children or grandchildren of ACCNJ member employees through the ACCNJ Foundation Scholarship program. Additionally, the John F. Donohoe Scholarship was awarded to Thomas Logan, a civil engineering student focused on a career in heavy construction contracting. Since its inception in 2014, the ACCNJ Foundation has contributed over $800,000 in scholarships, showcasing its dedication to educational advancement within the industry.
In an additional highlight, Jill Schiff was honored with the 2025 Women of Achievement Award by the Professional Women in Construction – New Jersey Chapter. This award underlines her leadership and commitment to fostering diversity within the construction workforce. Schiff’s 35 years of dedicated service in the industry also positions her as a valuable mentor for professionals within the ACCNJ.
The Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, held on May 21, 2025, was attended by more than 300 industry professionals, illustrating the strong support for gender diversity and inclusion in the construction arena. The recent achievements of ACCNJ coincide with efforts from PWC-NJ, which launched a scholarship fund in 2019 specifically for female students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, STEM, and related fields.
As ACCNJ continues to grow and build its membership, the emphasis on safety, education, and inclusivity remains at the forefront. With the successful awarding of scholarships and the ongoing support of aspiring students, ACCNJ envisions a future where the construction industry is not only modernized and efficient but is also reflective of a diverse workforce ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, ACCNJ’s initiatives underscore the importance of education and collaboration in the construction industry, while paving the way for a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all its members.
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