NUCA Announces 2026 Scholarship Program Winners
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) is pleased to announce the winners of the NUCA Foundation for Education and Research 2026 scholarships.
These scholarships are eligible to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a NUCA member company. Selections were based on the application submitted by a panel of judges chosen from NUCA membership by the NUCA Scholarship Committee.
The six scholarships awarded are:
D.A. Foster Memorial Scholarship: Riley Bryan, NUCA of North Florida
Riley Bryan is the 2026 recipient of the NUCA Scholarship Foundation’s D.A. Foster Memorial Scholarship ($8,000 award). Riley will be attending Florida State University. She represents NUCA member Hutson Companies LLC in St. Augustine, Florida.
Walter Gainer Scholarship: Victoria Sullivan, NUCA of South Florida
Victoria Sullivan is the recipient of a 2026 Walter Gainer Scholarship ($4,000 award). Victoria will be attending the University of Florida. She represents NUCA member Ranger Construction in Hialeah, Florida.
Walter Gainer Scholarship: Weston Ball, NUCA of Kentucky
Weston Ball is the recipient of a 2026 Walter Gainer Scholarship ($4,000 award). Weston will be attending Asbury University. He represents NUCA member Louisville Paving Co. in Louisville, Kentucky.
Walter Gainer Scholarship: Chase Reinhart, NUCA of Greater Kansas City Region
Chase Reinhard is the recipient of a 2026 Walter Gainer Scholarship ($4,000 award). Chase will be attending the University of Missouri. He represents NUCA member Genesis Environmental Solutions in Blue Springs, Missouri.
William & Shirley Burgett Scholarship: Madison Owens, NUCA of the Carolinas
Madison Owens is the recipient of the William & Shirley Burgett Scholarship ($2,000 award). Madison will be attending East Carolina University. She represents NUCA member T.A. Loving in Goldsboro, N. Carolina.
NUCA Award Scholarship: Marin Atkinson, NUCA of the Carolinas
Marin Atkinson is the recipient of the NUCA Award Scholarship ($1,000 award). Marin will be attending the University of North Carolina. She represents NUCA member and NUCA National Partner Sunstate Equipment—Trench Safety Division in Wilmington, N. Carolina.
“NUCA is very proud of these students,” said Chris Barrett, NUCA Chief Staff Officer. “We congratulate them on their academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarship awards are a testament to these students’ potential to make a lasting impact on their communities. We are confident that they will use these opportunities to grow, innovate, and inspire others to excel in their own studies and leadership.”
The NUCA Foundation has awarded students over a quarter million dollars in scholarship funds since 2004. The NUCA Foundation for Education and Research is committed to supporting the future of the utility construction industry by providing scholarships that empower students, promote educational excellence, and invest in the next generation of industry leaders.
More information about NUCA’s 2026 scholarships can be found online at www.nuca.com/scholarships.
