#United States #Atlanta #sustainable construction #Applied Software #GRAITEC Group

Winners of the 'Keeping AEC Green' National Scholarship Contest

Applied Software, a notable software developer within the AEC, construction, and manufacturing sectors, has proudly revealed the winners of its 2024 'Keeping AEC Green' scholarship essay contest. This initiative aims to inspire high school students to pursue careers in sustainable construction, and this year it has experienced remarkable growth.

Having received over 1,000 submissions, a drastic increase from only 200 last year, the contest continues to attract a diverse pool of students keen on addressing pressing environmental and construction industry challenges. The essays presented show a deep understanding of various issues, with many participants researching existing innovations and how they might impact society and global climate change policies.

Impressive Entries with Creative Solutions
The essays reviewed by judges from Applied Software, GRAITEC Group showcased an impressive level of creativity and research, pushing the boundaries of typical high school performances. In fact, several submissions developed structured business arguments that lend credibility to the students’ ideas.

Scott McMaster, the Executive Vice President at Applied Software, remarked, "We were thoroughly impressed with this year's entries. Many students went above and beyond what we considered high-school-level research and presentation. A few of the entries are business-class arguments for their solutions, and we hope this recognition motivates the students to keep pushing to develop their ideas."

Top Winners of the Contest

The competition saw Munawar Ali, a sophomore from Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas, take home the first place award along with a $1,000 scholarship. Munawar's essay detailed creative research and innovative designs for converting biomass waste from corn harvesting into a sustainable building material called Cornstruct. His proposal underscores significant environmental and economic advantages that could be particularly beneficial for developing nations. To further support the educational journey, Elkins High School will receive a $500 donation for its technology or similar program.

In second place, Anika Deshpande from Mainland Regional High School, Linwood, New Jersey, will receive $300 for her essay exploring cost-effective alternatives to precious metal catalysts, essential for advancing PEC water-splitting technologies in green hydrogen production.

Fiona Chandler from Durango High School in Durango, Colorado, secured third place with an insightful essay that presented an intriguing solution leveraging AI to assist facility managers in utilizing complex technologies for more sustainable building operations, earning her a $250 prize.

Addressing Workforce Gaps in Construction

As the global construction industry faces unprecedented demand for new infrastructure, it is also grappling with a labor shortfall of approximately 500,000 unfilled jobs. The 'Keeping AEC Green' scholarship seeks to engage students and spark interest in acquiring skills necessary for the future workforce in construction, an industry poised for growth. Though it may take time to cultivate the next generation of talent, initiatives like this are essential steps toward closing the skills gap in the field.

Given the significant participation and positive response generated by this annual contest, Applied Software, GRAITEC Group, is optimistic about continuing the program in 2025. Further details will be announced on their official website in due time.

About Applied Software and GRAITEC Group
As a premier provider in the realm of BIM services and solutions, Applied Software, now part of the GRAITEC Group, is dedicated to supporting construction and manufacturing professionals in their endeavors to digitize and modernize their operations for a sustainable future. With a legacy of over 30 years as a trusted partner of Autodesk, they empower clients to gain a competitive edge. For more information, visit www.asti.com.

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