Publication: Illinois Business Journal, June 10, 2024

Poettker Construction has announced the 2024 recipients of its NextGen program. Poettker selected five recipients for the program’s inaugural year and presented two scholarships and three community impact contributions.

NextGen is a collaboration between Poettker and its education clients to connect students and teachers with the construction of their facilities and unlock interactive opportunities for students to build their futures while advancing communities. Poettker also provides advanced education opportunities through impact contributions or post-high school scholarships.

Scholarships were awarded to:

• Noah Foppe of Freeburg Community High School in Freeburg, Ill.
• Kirsten Gudausky of Litchfield High School in Litchfield, Ill., part of the South Central Illinois Regional Training and Innovation Center

The 2024 Community Impact Contributions were presented to:

• Litchfield Elementary School’s Olympiads Program in Litchfield, Ill.
• Richland County Early Learning Center in Olney, Ill. and
• South Central Middle School in Kinmundy, Ill.

“As a longtime partner in education, we believe that fostering development in our schools greatly impacts our communities,” said Jon Carroll, executive vice president and COO at Poettker Construction. “Our mission goes far beyond building quality buildings; we seek to inspire and promote positive character building and believe we can do that by offering real-time learning and skills training into each grade-level curriculum, from early education through high school and beyond.”

Launched in late 2023, NextGen aims to encourage students in the PreK-12 sector to pursue careers in construction management, architecture, engineering, skilled trades, safety, or quality. Through NextGen, students participate in celebrating major project milestones, from groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies to on-site class tours. Poettker also offers hands-on career success opportunities through STEAM learning, paid internships, and workforce development programs.

School districts submit applications for community impact sponsorships or academic scholarships based on the focused age group of the students.

The community impact sponsorship benefits elementary or middle school districts by supporting community initiatives. Classes submit an impact application detailing their plans and goals for a group project or initiative that has a lasting impact on their community.

The academic scholarship benefits high schools, community colleges, or universities by offering an annual sponsorship to a high school senior or college student pursuing a career in the AEC industry.

For more information about Poettker’s NextGen Initiative, visit https://poettkerconstruction.com/poettker-nextgen/