FAIRFIELD -- The Maine Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction has donated $54,000 to the state's community colleges for scholarships in the construction field.

The gift will be used to fund an endowed scholarship for female students from Maine who are enrolled in construction related courses and programs, said Helen Pelletier, director of public affairs for the Maine Community College System.

"It's for any construction related program, such as welding, masonry or plumbing, but also might include electrical construction and maintenance, which are programs at (Kennebec Valley Community College)," Pelletier said Wednesday. "I think (the association) feels that jobs in construction pay well and wants to support more Maine women looking to enter the field."

The first awards will be made in the fall of 2009 and be used to provide emergency financial aid to students who demonstrate financial need.

Six of the seven state community colleges offer construction-related programs that include residential and commercial construction, masonry, welding and metal fabrication and numerous others. The donation initially will fund about $2,500 in annual financial assistance.

Kennebec Valley Community College President Barbara Woodlee said the donation will be a welcome addition to the Fairfield campus.

"This is great news for KVCC," Woodlee said Wednesday. "Scholarships are so important to our students in these difficult economic times. This scholarship also encourages women to pursue careers in the construction industry, careers which can enhance their earning potential."

Pelletier said the original gift of $54,000 will be used to create an endowment scholarship program. Half of annual interest on the fund will be reinvested in the endowment and half will provide the annual $2,500 in scholarships.

"The amount of scholarships will get to grow over time," she said.

John Fitzsimmons, president of the Maine Community College System said this type of financial assistance can make the difference in whether a student is able to finish her degree or be forced to drop out.

"We greatly appreciate (the association's) generosity and support of female students who are seeking a career in the construction industry," Fitzsimmons said in a news release. "Maine's community colleges play a major role in helping to ensure a skilled workforce for the state's construction industry."

Joyce Newman, vice president of Maine Chapter 276 of the National Association of Women in Construction, said in a statement that construction wages are competitive in Maine, where good jobs are hard to find.

"In Maine, the average wage for construction is $18 an hour," Newman said. "By making this financial assistance possible, we hope to ensure that more Maine women are earning these livable wages."

A report prepared for the community college system in 2006 found that Maine's construction industry offers significant career opportunities for graduates of the community colleges, according to the release. The report found industry demand for skilled workers far outpaces the availability of those workers.

The National Association of Women in Construction was formed in 1955 with the purpose of enhancing the success of women in the construction industry. The Maine chapter was formed in 1979 and has, to date, provided more than $250,000 in scholarships to Maine students enrolled in construction related programs.

For more information about the organization, go to www.nawicmaine.org

Doug Harlow -- 861-9244

dharlow@centralmaine.com