Initiatives

From an initial endowment of just over a million dollars, the Foundation now oversees the investment of a multi-million endowment, which funds education, research, and administrative costs from the revenues it generates.

JRGF undertakes initiatives that build strong working relationships with many industry practitioners, academics, manufacturer/supplier representatives, and industry consultants. Our partners guide and enlighten us as to the most pressing education and research issues facing our industry.

Student Chapter Programs
In 1998, the MCAA Student Chapter Program was formed to bring together well-educated, talented young students as they prepare for careers in the mechanical construction and service industries. In cooperation with the MCAA affiliated associations, MCAA now supports a nationwide network of more than 60 student chapters through professional experiences and resources.

JRGF has recognized that student chapters are an important pipeline to the future of the industry. They have funded a series of incentives to support student chapter members as they are given the opportunity to augment their education and professional development through: 

• Internship, co-op and job opportunities with member companies
• Opportunity for national scholarships for colleges and universities
• Industry attendance scholarships to attend national events supporting the mechanical and mechanical service industry such as the MCAA Convention, GreatFutures Forum, MSCA Conference, MEP Innovation Conference, and Safety & Health Conference
• Networking opportunities with members
• Beyond-the-classroom instruction and additional knowledge about the industry and business
• Support of national competitions that demonstrate real-world project experience such as the MCAA Annual Student Chapter Competition
• Invited to attend regional and national MCAA events, including MCAAGreatFutures Forum–created specifically for students, the MCAA Annual Convention, and the MSCA Annual Education Conference