Funding the future

By Jenny Yu.  

The Roofing Alliance lays a strong foundation for the roofing industry through its scholarship program. 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s foundation, the Roofing Alliance, continues to strengthen the future of the roofing industry through its Melvin Kruger Scholarship Program. The scholarship provides education funding to the roofing community, including employees of roofing companies, their spouses and children, as well as students enrolled in traditional university programs and career technical education (CTE) programs.  

There are two primary scholarship tracks under the program. First, the Accredited University Scholarship offers $5,000 annually to students enrolled full time in a four-year college or university. Recipients may renew the award for up to three additional years, as long as they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, remain in a qualified major and continue to meet eligibility requirements. The program gives priority to students pursuing careers in roofing or construction-related fields such as architecture, civil or structural engineering, construction management or occupational health and safety. 

Second, the Accredited CTE Scholarship offers $2,000 for students enrolled in full-time vocational or technical trade school programs directly related to careers in the roofing industry. Eligible career paths include sheet-metal fabrication, installation, foremanship, equipment operation, warehouse roles and other roofing-trade specialties. While this award is not renewable, students may reapply annually if they maintain a 3.0 GPA and stay enrolled in a qualified program. 

NRCA or Roofing Alliance member applicants should be full-time or part-time employees of a roofing industry company for a minimum of one year for themselves, their spouses or dependent children to be eligible for either scholarship. Students should be enrolled in a course of study related to a roofing industry career at an accredited vocational or technical trade school for a full academic year. The selection process is managed by Scholarship America, ensuring awards are made without regard to race, gender, religion or other protected characteristics. 

Since its founding, the program has made a significant impact. In the most recent year, Roofing Alliance awarded a combination of new and renewal scholarships totaling more than $87,000 to eight new recipients and eleven renewal recipients. The Alliance’s long-term goal is to grow its endowment to $2 million in order to expand the number of scholarships available. 

By investing in both higher education and technical training, the Roofing Alliance helps cultivate a skilled and dedicated workforce to address one of the roofing industry’s most pressing needs. 

The deadline for the 2026-27 scholarships is January 30, 2026. 

Apply to be a 2026-27 recipient, or learn more about the Roofing Alliance Melvin Krugar Scholarship.