Founded over two decades ago, the RCI-IIBEC Foundation has become a beacon of progress, having amassed more than $4 million in donations. These contributions have been pivotal in expanding research, providing scholarships and sponsoring educational events that shape the future of our industry. At the RCI-IIBEC Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting research, education and the dissemination of information critical to the advancement of the building enclosure industry. 

We support research, education and information sharing to advance the building enclosure industry. By donating, applying for grants or participating in our scholarship and sponsorship programs, you contribute to a thriving community dedicated to excellence in building science. 

We believe in the power of transparency to build trust and demonstrate our commitment to ethical practices and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

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Empowering innovation through grants

At the RCI-IIBEC Foundation, we are dedicated to fostering the advancement of the building enclosure industry through strategic support for research and education. Our grants are designed to empower professionals and scholars who are pioneering new knowledge, techniques, and solutions within our field.

Ensure your project falls within the parameters of our mission to support research, education, and information dissemination within the building enclosure industry. The impact it will make on our consultant members and building enclosures industry. It must be non-proprietary and not individual specific.

Should you have any questions about the application process or require clarification on the eligibility of your project, please reach out to us at rgardner@iibec.org. Our team is here to assist you and ensure your application is complete and aligned with our funding objectives. 

Submit your application today.

Unlock your potential with RCI-IIBEC Foundation scholarships

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation is proud to support the next generation of professionals in the building enclosure industry through our comprehensive scholarship programs. With a commitment to advancing education and fostering new talent, we have established two significant scholarships aimed at college, university and trade school students across the US and Canada.

Robert W. Lyons Scholarship: Named in honor of the founder of RCI, Inc. (now IIBEC), this scholarship celebrates a legacy of industry advancement and community building. Designed for undergraduate students pursuing engineering, architecture, or construction sciences.

RCI Lewis W. Newland Scholarship: Honors Lewis W. Newland, a dedicated supporter of the Foundation, and emphasizes his commitment to education within the building enclosure field. Open to students with financial need and a passion for the industry.

Joe Hale Student Sponsorship Fund: Supports student attendance at the IIBEC Annual International Convention & Trade Show and Building Enclosure Symposium. Includes travel, hotel, meals, registration and a one-year IIBEC membership. Renamed in 2021 to honor Joe Hale.

Since the inception of these programs, we’ve awarded over $175,000 in scholarships to more than 50 students, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Our scholarships not only provide financial support but also recognize the hard work, dedication and potential of future industry leaders.

Apply for a scholarship!

2026-2027 Foundation scholarship recipients

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation is excited to announce the eight winners of its 2026–2027 Robert W. Lyons and RCI Lewis W. Newlan academic scholarships. The $5,000 Lyons scholarship is specifically for undergraduate education expenses for students studying construction or building sciences, architecture or engineering. The RCI Lewis W. Newlan scholarship is for $2,500 and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, again for studies in construction or building sciences, architecture or engineering. Altogether, the 2026–2027 scholarships total $30,000.

Scholarship winners are selected based on financial need, letters of recommendation and the student’s request for consideration.

This year’s scholarship recipients follow.

Robert W. Lyons Scholarship Recipients
 

Skyler Cooper

Skyler Cooper is studying civil engineering at Lawrence Technology University in Southfield, Michigan. He is currently working as a summer intern for OHM Advisors in Livonia, Michigan. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, golfing and working out.

Allissa Hummer

Allissa Hummer attends Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is an undergraduate student studying construction management engineering. Hummer was on the dean's list for the fall and spring semesters, 2025–2026, and was inducted into the William Lee Honors College. She serves as the financial director of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.

Lamar Johnson

Lamar Johnson is an undergraduate in construction management at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California. He is currently working as an assistant project manager at Yates and is gaining experience managing multimillion dollar construction projects. Johnson is a member of the CRC Honors Program and TRIO STEM. He is a recipient of the LRCF Fostering Success Scholarship and FLINT Vocational Scholarship. His interests include music production, craftsmanship, and leadership.
 

Marolla Youakim

Marolla Youakim is working on her associate of science in engineering science degree at Hudson County Community College (HCCC), in Jersey City, New Jersey. Youakim’s awards and honors include: the OSHE (Office of the Secretary of Higher Education) Educational Opportunity Fund Distinguished Academic Achievement Award; the Distinguished Phi Theta Kappa Middle States Region Chapter Officer Hall of Honor Award; and the HCCC Club Organization Student Leadership Recognition Awards.
 

RCI Lewis W. Newlan Scholarship Recipients
 

Eugene Hon Cheung

Eugene Hon Cheung is a graduate student studying construction systems at the University of California – Berkley. His activities include: serving as a research assistant and as a SENtastic leader, a mentorship and inclusion advocacy program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Cheung has received the ACEC Bay Bridge Chapter Scholarship; the CEE Departmental Fellowship; the CMAA NorCal Chapter Scholarship; the HKCA Lo Pan Scholarship; the Hong Kong Housing Society Scholarship; the Professor Wilson Tang Scholarship; and the HKIE Scholarship.
 

Reid Gruenes

Reid Gruenes attends Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and is studying civil engineering. He currently working as a full-time field engineer intern with Bolton & Menk Engineering. Gruenes has earned an associate's and trade certificate in civil engineering technology from Dakota County Technical College and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. He is a Veteran’s Club member.
 

Kelsey Medina

Kelsey Medina studies civil engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. During the past year, Medina attended the IIBEC BES in St. Louis and the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show in Sacramento. She is currently an active student member of IIBEC, the Society of Hispanic Engineers Club, 2024–2025 Presidential List Award recipient, and a member of the SOAR Club (service organization), a member of the ASCE Club, treasurer of the SHPE Club, and a member of the Arise Catholic Young Adult Ministry. Her interests include community service, ministry participation, and sustainability in construction.
 

Eileen Rose

Eileen Rose is completing her undergraduate degree in construction management at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Rose also attended the IIBEC BES in St. Louis as well as the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show in Sacramento and is currently an IIBEC student member. Her numerous awards, honors, and activities include: the Academic Excellence Award; Hawk Awards; Lynch Scholarship; Presidential Scholarship; Sigma Lambda Chi Construction Management International Honor Society; the dean’s list 2023–present; RA Community Builder of the Year; Construction Management Club; Women in Construction Club; AGC Club; Running Club; Commercial Competition Team; NAHB Competition Team; and Ski Club. She also is vice president of the Catholic Campus Ministry Club.

Learn more and donate today!

Latest Scholarships

Unlock your potential with RCI-IIBEC Foundation scholarships

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation is proud to support the next generation of professionals in the building enclosure industry through our comprehensive scholarship programs. With a commitment to advancing education and fostering new talent, we have established two significant scholarships aimed at college, university and trade school students across the US and ...
View Scholarship

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65 scholarships and 496 student sponsorships highlight this foundation's commitment to the future of the building enclosure industry. The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome ...
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The Coffee Shops™ Welcome the RCI-IIBEC Foundation

Through research, education, and meaningful collaborations, this organization is uplifting the building enclosure industry. The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome the RCI-IIBEC Foundation ...
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Unlock your potential with RCI-IIBEC Foundation scholarships

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation is proud to support the next generation of professionals in the building enclosure industry through our comprehensive scholarship programs. With a commitment to advancing education and fostering new talent, we have established two significant scholarships aimed at college, university and trade school students across the US and ...
View Content

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LIVE From IIBEC 2026 Sponsored by Western Colloid

Live from the IIBEC 2026 Conference and Trade Show, this special Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by Western Colloid, brings together leaders from across the roofing and building enclosure industry to explore how performance expectations are evolving in 2026. With increasing climate pressures, tighter energy codes and growing lifecycle accountability, roofing professionals ...
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Coffee Conversations LIVE From IIBEC 2026 Sponsored by Western Colloid

Live from the IIBEC 2026 Conference and Trade Show, this special Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by Western Colloid, brings together leaders from across the roofing and building enclosure industry to explore how performance expectations are evolving in 2026. With increasing climate pressures, tighter energy codes and growing lifecycle accountability, roofing professionals ...
Listen to the Podcast

Latest Webinars

Coffee Conversations LIVE From IIBEC 2026 Sponsored by Western Colloid

Live from the IIBEC 2026 Conference and Trade Show, this special Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by Western Colloid, brings together leaders from across the roofing and building enclosure industry to explore how performance expectations are evolving in 2026. With increasing climate pressures, tighter energy codes and growing lifecycle accountability, roofing professionals ...
Watch the Webinar