This year, the Foundation awarded scholarships across three categories, supporting students entering trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and other educational pathways.
The 2026 YBA Member Scholarships were awarded to:
- Nicholas Bledsoe, son of Andrea Bledsoe of Print-O-Stat
- Jackson Parr, son of Heidi and Barry Mease of BLM Construction
Each student received a $1,000 scholarship. The YBA Member Scholarship is available to dependents and grandchildren of York Builders Association members and member company employees.
The Foundation also awarded three Tool Scholarships in the amount of $250 each to assist students with purchasing tools needed for their trade. All three recipients are graduates of the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation’s Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
2026 Tool Scholarship recipients include:
- Jax Davis, Red Lion Area Senior High School, pursuing a career in plumbing
- Jack Bodell, Red Lion Area Senior High School, pursuing a career in plumbing
- Trevor McWilliams, Dallastown Area High School, beginning a plumbing apprenticeship with Regal, Inc.
Lastly, the Foundation introduced two new $2,500 Trade Scholarships this year through a generous donation from the Walker Family Foundation. These scholarships recognize students for their high school accomplishments and commitment to pursuing continued education and training in a trade-related field.
2026 Trade Scholarship recipients are:
- Oliver Rumbaugh, graduate of Spring Grove Area High School, attending Pennsylvania College of Technology for Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology
- Ryder Yingling, graduate of York County School of Technology, attending YTI Career Institute for Electrical Engineering Technology
The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation provides workforce development initiatives, career exploration opportunities, and training programs designed to connect students and job seekers with careers in the local building trades industry.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities.
