Expands the 2024 ASC Regions 6 and 7 Student Competition to give students more time to learn about the concrete industry and work on practice problems. This competition promotes innovation and provides a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge, especially with Concrete Solutions.
Supports a construction entrepreneurship course to construction management and Lyles College of Engineering students at California State University in Fresno, California, to provide students with the technical skills, business development knowledge and support to launch an entrepreneurial business from idea to launch. This program hopes to attract students interested in starting new business ventures in concrete masonry and other construction trades.
Provides reimbursement for full-time undergraduate students in their senior year who are interested or already engaged in concrete masonry technologies. This offsets the registration cost and travel expenses associated with attending the presentation segment of The Masonry Society (TMS) Annual Meeting.
Renews and builds upon the University of Wyoming Expanding Masonry Curriculum program by moving from curriculum development to practical implementation. This phase focuses on teaching a class using the newly developed masonry curriculum and gathering feedback to refine and strengthen the materials. The program brings applied masonry education to the largest university in Colorado, advancing hands-on learning and expanding academic engagement with masonry design.
Provides reimbursement for full-time undergraduate students in their senior year who are interested or already engaged in concrete masonry technologies. This offsets the registration cost and travel expenses associated with attending the presentation segment of The Masonry Society (TMS) Annual Meeting.
With regional support, an RFP will be issued for a Coordinator of University Education and Outreach activity. With over $1,000,000 of Checkoff resources flowing to the “University Relations” focus area, it is important to have a more organized and coordinated effort to maximize our investment. The recommendations for a “Director of University Relations” set by the Task Group on University Relations will be used to develop the RFP.
Expands a successful teaching mentorship program from Region 5 to a national scale, supporting instructors who teach masonry design across varied academic settings. The program mentors faculty and design professionals on masonry codes, design concepts and teaching methods, strengthening the understanding and use of concrete masonry nationwide through coordinated efforts across Regional Advisory Committees (RACs).
With regional support, an RFP will be issued for a Coordinator of University Education and Outreach activity. With over $1,000,000 of Checkoff resources flowing to the “University Relations” focus area, it is important to have a more organized and coordinated effort to maximize our investment. The recommendations for a “Director of University Relations” set by the Task Group on University Relations will be used to develop the RFP.
In both 2024 and 2025, Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) engaged local universities to identify architecture and engineering students (and sometimes university faculty) interested in learning more about the concrete masonry industry. In addition to building a network of contacts within the block industry, many of these students also received travel funds to attend The Masonry Society’s Annual Meeting each fall — providing an opportunity to see firsthand the technology and innovation being introduced into masonry design standards and to participate in educational events showcasing the latest practices relevant to their future careers. For 2026, a different approach will be implemented in which an event separate from the TMS meetings will serve as the primary platform for student and professor engagement. While the TMS meetings offer valuable exposure, they are fundamentally business meetings and not tailored for student participation. Hosting a dedicated multiday event customized for students and their professors will maximize the industry’s investment in this program and provide a more intentional learning environment.
Expands a successful teaching mentorship program from Region 5 to a national scale, supporting instructors who teach masonry design across varied academic settings. The program mentors faculty and design professionals on masonry codes, design concepts and teaching methods, strengthening the understanding and use of concrete masonry nationwide through coordinated efforts across the Regional Advisory Committees (RACs).
