WILLIAM MOREHOUSE SCHOLARSHIP

The William Morehouse Scholarship was instituted to assist students who are entering a course of study specific to the residential construction industry. Its purpose is to assist students in their pursuit of a career in residential construction and to provide employers in New York State with a strong, industry-qualified workforce.

This scholarship is open to students enrolled in community college programs, trade schools, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and workforce training programs related to the residential construction industry. 

The William Morehouse Scholarship provides a $1,000 award to each recipient. Additional matching funds may also be available through a local Home Builders Association (HBA), and applicants are encouraged to contact their local HBA early in the application process. 

 The following local HBAs serve New York State. Associations marked * offer a matching scholarship program for William Morehouse Scholarship recipients. 

• The Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association*
• Buffalo Niagara Builders Association*
• Long Island Builders Institute*
• Southern Tier Builders & Remodelers Association*
• Hudson Valley Building Industry Association 
• Building Industry Association of New York City
• Niagara Region Construction Alliance
• Queens & Bronx Building Association*
• Rochester Home Builders Association*
• Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Mohawk Valley*
• Tompkins/Cortland Builders & Remodelers Association*
• Home Builders & Remodelers of Central New York*
• Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York, Inc.
• Building and Allied Construction Industries of Westchester*

1. The applicant must be enrolled in a Technical/Trade School, Community College, certificate program, apprenticeship program, or workforce training program located in New York State. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, materials, and housing.
2. The applicant must be enrolled in a building industry-related curriculum.
3. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher; those in non-GPA programs must demonstrate equivalent academic standing.
4. The applicant must be a New York State resident with an objective of a future career within the New York State homebuilding industry. 

1.  Financial need
2. Career goals
3. Academic achievement
4. Extracurricular activities (Skills USA, Community Service)
5. Recommendations

•  Maintain a 2.0 GPA or equivalent while enrolled at a New York State technical/trade school or community college during the scholarship year.
• To pursue a course of study that will qualify the applicant for a professional career in the New York State homebuilding industry.
• To conduct oneself in a manner that exemplifies good character.
• To report to the Foundation annually on academic progress or employment status upon graduation.

Items 1 through 6 are submitted via the online application form linked below:

1. Complete and submit the online application form. 
2. Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher within the last two years. The letter must include the teacher’s name, telephone number, and email address.
3. Submit proof of registration or enrollment at a Technical/Trade School, Community College, certificate program, apprenticeship, or workforce training program located in New York State. An acceptance letter will be accepted for the application review process.
4. Submit the most recent transcript of the applicant’s grades. For applicants in programs without a traditional GPA, submit equivalent documentation demonstrating satisfactory academic standing.
5. Submit a recent head-and-shoulders photograph.
6. [Optional] If your local HBA does not offer a matching scholarship program, upload a letter of support from a sponsor who is a current NYSBA member. (If no letter is available, your application will still be reviewed.)

Additional Steps (Post-Submission):

• As part of the process, applicants will participate in an interview with their local Home Builders Association (HBA) or with the NYSBA REF Scholarship Committee. Interviews will take place between June 1–12.
• If your local HBA offers a matching scholarship program, the matching fund commitment letter will be submitted directly by the HBA following the interview process. 

• The William Morehouse Scholarship award is up to $1,000 per recipient. Additional matching funds may be available through the applicant’s local HBA (see the local associations list above).
• Applications will be reviewed and finalists selected by the REF Scholarship Committee.
• Scholarship checks will be made payable directly to the recipient. 

• The William Morehouse Scholarship award is up to $1,000 per recipient. Additional matching funds may be available through the applicant’s local HBA (see the local associations list above).
• Applications will be reviewed and finalists selected by the REF Scholarship Committee.
• Scholarship checks will be made payable directly to the recipient. 

• MAY 30, 2026: Submit your completed application online
• JUNE 1-12, 2026: Interviews 
• On or About JUNE 30, 2026: Award decisions will be announced 

  Questions? Contact the NYSBA Research & Education Foundation at morehouse-scholarship@nysbaref.org

As a member of the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA), William (“Bill”) Morehouse provided insurance coverage to members for more than thirty-five years. He also served as Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of the Mohawk Valley for 30 years. Bill’s generosity and ingenuity helped initiate the NYSBA Research and Education Foundation.

As steward of an obsolete insurance trust, Bill approached NYSBA to explore using those funds to seed an organization that would benefit the residential construction industry. As a result, the NYSBA Research and Education Foundation (REF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established.

In recognition of Bill’s commitment to the industry, the Foundation’s student scholarship program was named in his honor. The William Morehouse Scholarship reflects his dedication to members and his lasting commitment to supporting the next generation of industry leaders.