Transforming Tomorrow One Student at a Time

Thank you for your interest in the Pepper Construction Scholarship and Internship program in Illinois. The application period for the 2025 program has closed. If you are eligible for and interested in the next scholarship and internship period in 2026, please check this website next summer for updated information. 

In addition to the information found on the previous page, here are some additional details about the scholarship, internship and related timelines:

  • 2025 internship programs will begin in May, extend into August and last approximately 12 weeks.
  • The intern pay scale is based on graduation year and ranges between $20 - $23 per hour. 

For more information, contact pccdei@pepperconstruction.com

Timeline

The application process opens July 25, 2024 and closes October 4, 2024 (11:59 pm Central Standard Time / 12:59 am Eastern Standard Time).

  • Finalists will be notified by end of day on October 11, 2024
  • Finalists will be interviewed via Microsoft Teams on October 16, 2024
  • Offers will be extended by October 22, 2024
  • Awarded scholars must accept or decline and complete all internal documentation by November 5, 2024

Application Process

Individuals interested in being considered for the Pepper Construction Scholarship and Internship must apply through the online application process available at the bottom of this page. The application requires an essay about the steps the applicant has taken to actively explore the construction industry and the major they have chosen. Whether the experience was formal or self-directed, the candidate should consider something that inspired them to move forward on their chosen path. Consider the prompts below for additional ideas:  

  • Was there someone who influenced your interest in the construction industry?
  • What is one thing you’ve learned about the construction industry that surprised you or caused you to think differently about your future?
  • What career do you see yourself entering within the construction industry?
  • Is there any additional information you think the selection committee might benefit from knowing?

Application Materials

Please consider the following before beginning work on the application form below.

  • Upload transcripts from the applicant’s current college or university. Transcripts that have been downloaded, screenshot or printed and scanned directly from the applicant’s college or university website are acceptable for the submission of the scholarship application. However, Pepper may request official transcripts directly from the student’s university before scholarship funds are released. 
  • Please have a current pdf copy of the applicant's resume available to upload. 
  • Please complete the application forms and provide all supporting materials in English.
  • The essay (up to 500 words) must be typed or copied and pasted directly onto the application form below. Please do not attempt to upload the essay as a separate document.
  • Optional Video — In addition to the required essay, if applicants would like to add their voice to this application, they have the option to submit up to a two-minute video presentation. Please consider the following topic: What is one of your personal passions and how has it influenced the person you’ve become. How do you think it might continue to influence your values and your work in the construction industry as you start your career?
  • Please note: The optional video is not expected to have high production values. A simple mobile phone recording is acceptable. Videos must be uploaded in .mov or mp4 file formats. 

Offer for Optional Coaching

If you are not accustomed to video interviews or would like to take advantage of some coaching with a Pepper employee who will not be involved in awarding the scholarships and internships, please contact Alma Rodriguez at ARodriguez@pepperconstruction.com and we will arrange up to 30 minutes of complimentary instruction and support.

Online Application Form

Please complete all required fields in the form below. Optional fields do not need to be completed. Please only type or copy / paste your essay into the appropriate field below. Do not upload or attach your essay as a separate document.