The Bowen Prize for Great Builders, managed by the AGC Education and Research Foundation, is dedicated to identifying, recognizing, and rewarding the construction industry's most influential builders. Candidates are those individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, fortitude, skill, and stewardship in an on-the-job capacity to ensure project goals were achieved in constructing America's most essential infrastructure — the leaders with boots on the ground, who, day in and day out, managed that critical construction project from planning through execution. In today’s great builders, we see state-of-the-art engineering, never-before-seen construction methods, leader-management at the forefront, and a deep commitment to service to the community. The Bowen Prize seeks to recognize those builders who are most responsible for extraordinary contributions to the built environment.
Application Process
The application will open July 15, 2024 and will close October 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). There is a $200 application fee. All applicants must be an AGC member. Award rules and requirements can be found here. The Bowen Prize application can be found here.
Judging
Applicants will be judged on the following:
- Customer service
- Leadership and team building
- State-of-the-art construction methods
- Stewardship
- Jobsite safety
- Importance to the community
- Utilization of the cash award
Judges will determine the winner by December 31, 2024. All applicants will be notified, and winners will be invited to attend the AGC Annual Convention on April 7-10, 2025, in Columbus, OH for formal recognition.
Prizes
A $50,000 award will be granted to support construction education. The winner will choose the construction education program they wish to support. Eligible programs include any at the university or community college level, construction scholarships, Construction Technology Education programs, NCCER programs, and similar initiatives. Approved programs must support construction education and be accredited or recognized by one of the following:
- ABET
- ACCE (accredited or non-degree recognized)
- COE
- ANSI
- IACET
- NCCER
- Registered apprenticeship program (federal or state registered)
- Other programs as approved by the AGC Education and Research Foundation (contact paige.packard@agc.org with any questions).
AGC will celebrate the winners by publishing (e.g. Constructor Magazine, press release, etc.) information that can be added to their chapter and/or company’s website after the announcement at the AGC annual convention.