Lewis Cenker Scholarship

The Lewis Cenker Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization created in 1977 by the Home Builders Association of Georgia in honor of Lewis B. Cenker, an outstanding Georgian and national industry leader who served as President of NAHB in 1974 and was a founding member of HBAG in 1955.

Geographic Scope: Georgia

Focus Areas: Scholarships awarded to qualified students seeking a career directly related to the home building industry, including:

• Post-secondary institution students pursuing home building-related studies
• Career and Technical Education (CTAE) students at high schools offering home building industry training and certifications

Award Amount: Scholarship awards vary and are determined by the Trustees of the Fund. Currently, 7% of the value of net assets at year-end determines the amount of scholarship awards disbursed the coming school year. Funds may cover tuition, fees, books, special supplies, tools, and room and board costs.

Funding Sources: Donations from local home builders associations and individual members (cash, bonds, stock, real estate, etc.). Special honorary funds can be established for donations of $35,000 minimum (made incrementally).

Selection Process: Eight trustees/directors comprise the selection committee. Recipients selected on basis of:

• Academic excellence
• Career goals
• Letters of recommendation
• Financial need
• Other activities related to studies
• Phone: 404-763-2453
• Email: cmorley@hbag.org
• Address: Home Builders Association of Georgia, 887 W Marietta St NW Suite T-105, Atlanta, GA 30318

Student Applicant Requirements

Must meet ALL of the following:

1. Must be entering an area of study directly related to the home building industry
2. Must be entering or continuing education at an accredited post-secondary institution or certified technical school
3. Applications must be submitted by builder members or associate members of HBAG through their local association and signed by the local executive officer
4. In rare instances, members-at-large with no local HBA office may submit directly to HBAG office with prior approval of scholarship coordinator
5. Application must be completed in its entirety and signed by Local HBA Executive Officer or member of Board of Trustees
6. Must have at least a "B" grade point average at time of application
7. Must maintain "B" or higher grade for each semester to remain on scholarship
8. Must include a one-page essay on why student wants to pursue a career in the home building industry
9. Must have a family member who is a current member of HBAG or local HBA
10. Must provide evidence of financial need (most recent tax returns of student if independent, or parents if dependent)
11. Must provide official school transcript or grade report for application to be considered
12. Applicant must be entering or continuing full-time study

CTAE Applicant Requirements

Must meet ALL of the following:

1. Must offer construction or home building related courses
2. Application must be completed in its entirety
3. Must include recommendation and signature of Local HBA Executive Officer or member of Board of Trustees of Lewis Cenker Scholarship Fund

Application Process

1. Complete application form in its entirety
2. Obtain signature from Local HBA Executive Officer or Board of Trustees member
3. Include one-page essay (student applicants only)
4. Submit official school transcript or grade report
5. Submit evidence of financial need (tax returns)
6. Submit by mail or delivery to HBAG office
7. Deadline: March 15th each year
8. Applications reviewed and graded in spring
9. Recipients notified by letter in late April

Scholarship Terms

• Awards made for one-year period of study
• Extensions beyond initial award may be considered upon written request if criteria maintained
• Student must continue in same program to remain eligible
• Any change in area of study requires written notification and committee approval
• Student must remain enrolled in full-time study in consecutive semesters (summer not required)
• Unjustified interruption in enrollment may result in cancellation
• Award checks mailed directly to school, college, or university