News Summary
The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) has expanded its membership to over 300 and awarded $75,000 in scholarships to support future professionals in the construction industry. The recent awards ceremony recognized six students, with special grants available for children of member employees. ACCNJ aims to improve safety and efficiency in the industry while encouraging education and diversity, as exemplified by the recognition of Jill Schiff, COO, with a Women of Achievement Award.
ACCNJ Awards $75K in Scholarships While Expanding Membership
The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) is making headlines with its recent expansion and generous scholarship awards. In 2025, the organization is increasingly adding new members across various sectors, reinforcing its role as a key player in New Jersey’s construction industry.
As of June 2025, ACCNJ has welcomed six new members, contributing to a total membership increase of 15 in this year alone, bringing the total to over 300 members. These new members come from diverse backgrounds, including heavy civil/highway construction and software providers, further broadening the association’s representation of New Jersey’s entire construction industry.
ACCNJ extends beyond state borders, incorporating companies with experience from regions outside New Jersey and even Canada. This expansion signifies the organization’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the construction field.
One of ACCNJ’s major goals is to enhance workplace safety and modernization across job sites. The organization promotes best practices that aim to create safer working environments for everyone involved in the construction process. Chief Operating Officer Jill Schiff has acknowledged the various challenges faced by the industry and is actively working on solutions to address these issues.
Simultaneously, CEO Jack Kocsis Jr. has expressed enthusiasm about the addition of new members, emphasizing their dedication to the values of safety and efficiency. This dedication reflects a collective understanding of the evolving landscape of the construction sector.
In a remarkable show of community support, ACCNJ awarded $75,000 in scholarships on June 10, 2025. These funds were distributed among six deserving students, exemplifying the organization’s ongoing commitment to educational initiatives. Since the program’s inception in 2014, ACCNJ has provided over $800,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in construction and related fields.
Five of the scholarships were designated for children or grandchildren of ACCNJ member employees through the ACCNJ Foundation Scholarship program. This includes a special scholarship named in honor of the esteemed industry leader Donald Waters Sr. Furthermore, the prestigious John F. Donohoe Scholarship was awarded to Thomas Logan, a dedicated civil engineering student eager to embark on a career in heavy construction contracting.
The support provided by the ACCNJ Foundation to students aspiring to enter the construction industry is a testament to the organization’s long-term vision for a skilled workforce. Its scholarship initiatives help bridge the gap between education and professional development, ensuring that future generations are prepared for industry challenges.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to diversity, Jill Schiff received the 2025 Women of Achievement Award from the Professional Women in Construction – New Jersey Chapter. With 35 years of dedicated service to the industry, her efforts extend beyond ACCNJ as she serves as a mentor for emerging professionals within the sector.
The Annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, held on May 21, 2025, attracted over 300 industry professionals, reflecting the increasing visibility of women in construction and related fields. In addition, the PWC-NJ has also launched a scholarship fund that began in 2019 to empower female students studying architecture, engineering, STEM, and other construction-related disciplines.
The ongoing efforts of ACCNJ to expand its membership and provide educational support demonstrate a commitment to fostering talent and innovation in New Jersey’s construction industry. By focusing on safety, efficiency, and the support of students, ACCNJ is paving the way for a stronger, more resilient future in construction.
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Additional Resources
- NJB Magazine: ACCNJ’s Schiff Named 2025 Woman of Achievement
- ROI-NJ: ACCNJ Awards $75K in Scholarships
- NJBIZ: ACCNJ Membership Expansion
- Daily Press: NJ Association Scholarship Winner
- My Central Jersey: Archdiocese Newark Community Engagement
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey
- Google Scholar: ACCNJ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Google News: Construction Industry News
