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The Education Foundation of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWIEF) has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to 24 students pursuing education and training that will prepare them for careers in the architectural woodwork industry.
The scholarships, distributed among students representing 12 schools, are part of AWIEF’s ongoing mission to strengthen the industry’s future workforce through educational support and career development opportunities.
According to AWI CEO Doug Hague, the 2026 awards mark a record-setting year for the foundation.
“As part of a record-setting year, the AWIEF Board of Trustees awarded $80,000 in scholarships to 24 recipients, with an average award of $3,300 ranging to a top award of $5,000,” Hague said.
Recipients included seven secondary school students and 17 post-secondary students. Five female students were among those receiving awards.
The 2026 scholarship distribution was supported by the Randy Estabrook Scholarship Fund, which annually provides $50,000 in scholarship funding, along with additional contributions made possible through strong donor support. AWI members contributed $109,500 to the foundation in 2025, enabling AWIEF to supplement scholarship funding beyond its normal annual distribution.
“It truly is a blessing to see these elements working in one accord,” Hague said.
Scholarship funds may be applied toward educational expenses incurred during the 2026 academic year or upcoming costs associated with the 2027 school year.
Since its establishment in 2008, AWIEF has distributed more than $481,800 in scholarships to students entering architectural woodwork and related fields. The foundation serves as the charitable and educational arm of AWI, helping address workforce development challenges facing the industry by supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.
To help sustain future scholarship opportunities, AWIEF will host its annual fundraising event during the 74th AWI Annual Convention, scheduled for Oct. 21-23, 2026, in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Applications for 2027 AWIEF scholarships will open Nov. 1, 2026, and remain available through Jan. 31, 2027.
